On Wednesday, the sociology department joined with Voices of Christian Dreamers, an advocacy group for undocumented immigrants, to bring the stories of “Dreamers,” or undocumented immigrants that came to the United States as children, to Biola.
The audience heard from a variety of speakers including couples, pastors, and students, primarily “Dreamers” and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients that sought higher education.
Biola alumna Adriana Mondragon-Hill, who spoke at the event, came to the U.S. from Mexico at the age of five. When she was a junior in high school, Mondagron-Hill learned she had been living in the U.S. without legal status. Because of this, she said her opportunities for college seemed bleak, and guilt, shame and depression came knocking at her door.
Not one woman in her family had gone to college, but with the help of her mentors, community and the Lighthouse Community Center through Mariners Church, she was able to fulfill her goal. Mondragon-Hill graduated from Biola in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and also received her master’s degree in psychology from Chapman University. On Wednesday, she stressed the importance of helping others in need.
“I think for me, it’s very personal because it is my story, but I cannot negate the call that Jesus makes,” Mondrgon-Hill told The Chimes. “Whether that’s immigration, something else, to make sure you’re getting involved, and becoming the hands and feet of Jesus Christ… because at the end of the day, we can either be quiet in silence and let things happen, but the Lord will still hold us responsible at the end of the day, but he is all about loving our neighbor.”
Professor of sociology Brad Christerson, who hosted the event, believes in the importance of hearing the stories of those who have suffered as well as hearing of the work God’s love and grace has done in their lives.
“Immigrants and undocumented people are around us. We may not know who they are, but they’re blessing our lives, and they’re our brothers and sisters. And we need to be there for them, and welcome them and advocate for them. We’re one in Christ. There is no dividing wall in the body of Christ,” Christerson said.
