The Undocu Network (UN), rooted in Jesuit values and the teachings of the Catholic church, exemplifies the universality of supporting undocumented students and their communities. Nancy Suarez Jimenez, a core committee member from Marquette University, highlights the diversity within the UN community, emphasizing mutual support and giving back to the communities where members study and grew up. This commitment mirrors the encapsulation of Jesuit values and Catholic teachings.

The third annual Undocu Network Summit took place in Morristown, NJ, from January 12-15, 2024, with 32 members gathering to foster mutual support, professional development, storytelling, community organizing workshops, and planning collective actions. Representing various Jesuit and Catholic universities, attendees engaged in discussions aimed at creating more inclusive campuses and communities for undocumented individuals or those with marginal documentation.

Led by core committee members, including Suarez Jimenez, and supported by Jorge Palacios Jr., ISN’s migration coordinator for youth engagement, the summit provided a space for directly impacted young adults from across the country to share their lived experiences. Palacios emphasized that the summit is designed by, with, and for the people it serves, focusing on community building and addressing the needs of those directly impacted by migration justice issues.

The UN, established in 2019 in response to the interest of students from ISN partner schools, has grown through virtual meetings and annual summits. The gatherings aim to discuss challenges faced on campuses, share experiences, and build a supportive network. The impact extends beyond personal growth, empowering attendees to become advocates and organizers in their own communities.

Suarez Jimenez, involved since 2022, highlights the transformative impact of the summits, creating a culture of support and embodying the Jesuit ideal of cura personalis. Beyond personal transformation, campus-wide impacts have been observed, with student engagement leading to the revival of groups like MU Dreamers at Marquette University.

Maria Torres, a core committee member from Saint Peter’s University, expressed the importance of coming together in person at the summit. She is working to plan her campus’s first Undocu Week to raise awareness about being undocumented in the United States and foster dialogue on immigration.

A common theme throughout the summit was the desire of core committee members to give back to their communities. Jonathan Mora, a student at Boston College, shared his journey from summit attendee to core committee member, emphasizing the importance of contributing as an ally in immigration advocacy.

In conclusion, the Undocu Network Summit serves as a unique space for directly impacted young adults to gather, share experiences, and plan collective actions. The commitment to Jesuit values and Catholic teachings resonates through the attendees' dedication to giving back to their communities and fostering a more inclusive environment for undocumented individuals.

Source: Ignatiansolidarity.net