This final episode of season one of Intersections serves as both a reflective culmination of our journey and a call for continued advocacy in the realm of immigration.

Takeaways:

• This podcast season provided 23 episodes focusing on immigration and the diverse narratives surrounding it.
• Throughout the season, we engaged with various guests, including dreamers and college presidents, discussing their unique challenges.
• The podcast highlights the significance of community support for immigrant students during uncertain times in higher education.
• The importance of allyship and community engagement was reinforced through personal stories and collective advocacy efforts.

In this episode, Dr. Perez shares insights from his personal journey as an immigrant from El Salvador and discusses the pivotal role of the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act in shaping the lives of many immigrants, including his own family. We delve into California's AB540 model, which provides in-state tuition for undocumented students, while also addressing the challenges faced by deported students in both the United States and Mexico. Our conversation highlights the significance of the Higher Ed Immigration Portal as a vital resource for understanding and championing the rights of immigrant students. We underscore the necessity of recognizing and leveraging the contributions of immigrant communities to foster a more equitable and inclusive educational landscape.

Takeaways:

• The 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act provided a pathway to legal status for many undocumented immigrants.
• California's AB540 law allows undocumented students to access in-state tuition rates at public colleges.
• Deported students face unique challenges in both the U.S. and their countries of origin, often lacking support systems.
• The Higher Ed Immigration Portal serves as a vital resource for understanding immigration issues in higher education.

This episode delves into the profound impact of grief on individuals and communities, particularly in the context of immigration and mental health. Dr. Ayli articulates the pervasive nature of grief, which, as she asserts, spans across personal, relational, and societal levels, especially in these tumultuous times. We engage in a meaningful dialogue about the significance of acknowledging both the emotional and physical manifestations of mental distress, emphasizing that such experiences are often overlooked.

Takeaways:

• Mental health symptoms often manifest through physical symptoms, underscoring the necessity for awareness of somatic experiences in therapeutic contexts.
• Therapists must recognize the chronic nature of trauma experienced by immigrant families, which is exacerbated by systemic violence and societal pressures.
• Building cross-racial solidarity is essential for supporting marginalized communities and enhancing collective resilience against discriminatory practices.