Let's Save Isabella Tecson From Deportation!

CHECK OUT ISABELLA'S WORK HERE ------> Isabella's Blog (https://isabellatecson.wordpress.com/)

Hi, I'm Ethan, and I am lucky enough—despite our turbulent political climate—to be an American citizen.

The same cannot be said for my dear friend Isabella Tecson, who is a Canadian citizen earning her Masters' in Creative Nonfiction in the US. Isabella is here on an F1 Visa, which allows her to study full-time and legally work on her campus. Through her MFA at CUNY Queens College, she has a teaching fellowship and is an adjunct Professor of English, creative writing, and film criticism.

Due to Queens College revoking Isabella's fellowship due to her reasonable request to accommodate her chronic conditions, along with the Trump administration's crackdown on ADA compliance, DEI, and immigration—which would have provided her a way to fight CUNY QC's decision—Isabella is in desperate need of financial assistance. This fundraiser's goal is to raise money for the following:

1) Living expenses! Rent, groceries, and potential relocation—anything to prepare her for the best AND worst case scenarios. Given that Isabella's only legal form of income will be gone at the end of the current semester, it is of the utmost importance that she has money to and survive off of.

2) Legal fees - even if the best case scenario comes to pass, it is more than likely that Isabella will be left with legal fees in the thousands after consulting and working with an immigration lawyer. She is also attempting to apply for an O-1 visa, which is reserved for educators and artists with exceptional ability(which she has!). The average O-1 applicant is expected to pay well over 5000$ just to apply.

3) Application fees - Isabella is actively applying to other universities with her degree program in an effort to maintain her legal status here. Several prestigious MFA programs have extended their application deadlines specifically for her, as Queens College revoked her fellowship after application season ended at most major universities. Application fees can reach upwards of $100 per program. To continue being a legal resident under an F1 Visa, she needs to remain a student at an accredited institution.

4) Dates - yes, this is real. A path to citizenship is, unfortunately, made MUCH easier if you have a spouse who is an American citizen. Legal union would REALLY help Isabella's case, and because of this, she needs to go on a LOT of dates. Yes, this is the capitalist hellscape we're living in - and yes, it is what she needs. Dating is surprisingly expensive in New York City, and some of the money will go into making sure Isabella can go on these dates safely. We are also looking for people who may be interested in dating Isabella! She’s a blast to be around and a massive nerd, so reach out if you have any leads.

Isabella is a compassionate, genius essayist, educator, and creative writer. Please help her remain in the United States so she can continue studying and working at what she's so good at!

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for your help. Please spread the word!