Queer Undocumented Student Needs Help
Donation protected
Hello, my name is Arturo Rivera. I am an undocumented student entering my spring semester at the University of San Francisco and I am in desperate need. Previously, I was kicked out of my home for being queer and became homeless during the month of August. I stayed with close friends until I was able to find more permanent housing. Thankfully, I was able to receive emergency housing through my school. However, I had also just prior to becoming homeless, lost my job. I have been able to avoid the streets but have wracked up some housing bills with my college. Additionally, amid the bureaucratic slowdowns of the covid-19 crisis, I have also lost my work permit and now cannot find employment despite my ability and willingness to work. I am still receiving unemployment funds but they are quickly running out and I still have no source of income or fiscal independence. I am still in the process of receiving my work authorization card but everything has been delayed due to the worsening of the pandemic. I reached out to my university for help and aid but unfortunately, the only thing they could provide was “prayers.” As such, I have turned to gofundme.
To make matters worse, due to the discriminatory laws, the United States has in place, undocumented students are not eligible for any federal student aid. Therefore, I am not able to access vital federal funds that could otherwise help my documented peers. This is compounded by the fact that within the last year, tuition at my university was increased by 5% and will likely continue to increase to fund the new buildings and gymnasium being constructed currently. My school has also refused to lower tuition or offer any type of additional aid for students especially undocumented students like myself who are not eligible for the CARES Act.
Originally, I started this gofundme page to ensure get secure housing for myself until January because I was given the impression that Resident Advisors would return for the spring semester. Prior to the pandemic, I had been accepted as a Resident Advisor, and given the information just mentioned, it was understood that I would have my Residential Advisor position reinstated which would have given me assured housing for the time being. Sadly we have remained remote yet again for another semester. I would take the semester off but that would put my housing situation back in a vulnerable state and would force me to relocate back into the unhealthy and manipulative household which I had to flee in the first place. Now I need any support and aid which good samaritans have to spare so as to pay for my housing and the remainder of my tuition for the spring semester.
Donated funds will be used to pay my tuition installments and also keep me afloat until I am able to work again. Which I pray will be soon. I am aware these are hard times and I am forever grateful for anything which anyone can donate. And if you are unable to donate, please consider sharing my gofundme instead. I will be equally as thankful. Thank you and I love you all
Venmo: Arturo-Rivera-25
Cashapp: $axturo
More About Me, Arturo!
Hi! I am a first-generation Mexican-American originally born in Mexico City but residing in Oakland since age three. I grew up in East Oakland near Fruitvale Station and went to all Oakland Schools from kindergarten to graduation.
At present, I am a straight-A student studying advertising and graphic design. As an undocumented student, I have been able to take part in a USF-based immigrant fellowship as an ambassador, called the Magis Fellowship which is sponsored by the Office of Diversity Engagement and Community Outreach.
I plan to use my education from USF to pursue a career in marketing and advertising. I hope to someday be a creative director and use my education to invoke industry changes that prioritize and value the incorporation of diversity, empathy, and justice in our audio-visual environments which shape our society. Additionally, as a queer student and future leader, I hope to promote tolerance and representation in the industry simply via my presence and intersectional presence.
Also included here is a picture of my current besties, my two emotional support dogs, Coco and Cici. They have given me much needed emotional support to my mind and soul over the last few months. Any donation will go towards helping to house them and care for their well-being as well.
To make matters worse, due to the discriminatory laws, the United States has in place, undocumented students are not eligible for any federal student aid. Therefore, I am not able to access vital federal funds that could otherwise help my documented peers. This is compounded by the fact that within the last year, tuition at my university was increased by 5% and will likely continue to increase to fund the new buildings and gymnasium being constructed currently. My school has also refused to lower tuition or offer any type of additional aid for students especially undocumented students like myself who are not eligible for the CARES Act.
Originally, I started this gofundme page to ensure get secure housing for myself until January because I was given the impression that Resident Advisors would return for the spring semester. Prior to the pandemic, I had been accepted as a Resident Advisor, and given the information just mentioned, it was understood that I would have my Residential Advisor position reinstated which would have given me assured housing for the time being. Sadly we have remained remote yet again for another semester. I would take the semester off but that would put my housing situation back in a vulnerable state and would force me to relocate back into the unhealthy and manipulative household which I had to flee in the first place. Now I need any support and aid which good samaritans have to spare so as to pay for my housing and the remainder of my tuition for the spring semester.
Donated funds will be used to pay my tuition installments and also keep me afloat until I am able to work again. Which I pray will be soon. I am aware these are hard times and I am forever grateful for anything which anyone can donate. And if you are unable to donate, please consider sharing my gofundme instead. I will be equally as thankful. Thank you and I love you all
Venmo: Arturo-Rivera-25
Cashapp: $axturo
More About Me, Arturo!
Hi! I am a first-generation Mexican-American originally born in Mexico City but residing in Oakland since age three. I grew up in East Oakland near Fruitvale Station and went to all Oakland Schools from kindergarten to graduation.
At present, I am a straight-A student studying advertising and graphic design. As an undocumented student, I have been able to take part in a USF-based immigrant fellowship as an ambassador, called the Magis Fellowship which is sponsored by the Office of Diversity Engagement and Community Outreach.
I plan to use my education from USF to pursue a career in marketing and advertising. I hope to someday be a creative director and use my education to invoke industry changes that prioritize and value the incorporation of diversity, empathy, and justice in our audio-visual environments which shape our society. Additionally, as a queer student and future leader, I hope to promote tolerance and representation in the industry simply via my presence and intersectional presence.
Also included here is a picture of my current besties, my two emotional support dogs, Coco and Cici. They have given me much needed emotional support to my mind and soul over the last few months. Any donation will go towards helping to house them and care for their well-being as well.
Organizer
Arturo Rivera
Organizer
Oakland, CA
