Undocu-Youth Needs Help: Meet Rigo

Hi, my name is Alejandrina Lorenzano, and I am helping raise money for my student named Rigo.

Rigoberto, or as the people at school call him, Rigo, is a senior. As a senior, he is currently overcoming the forever contagious senioritis and confronting the pressure of what his future may look like. Something that you should know about Rigo is he is a talented musician. Having played trombone since fifth grade. He is the only boy of five kids, the eldest over four younger sisters. As his teacher, I can attest to his resilience as a student. I would describe him as alert, clever, and empathetic. Another important identity that impacts Rigo’s navigation of this world is that he is undocumented. The first time Rigo was made aware of how his status may affect him was his sophomore year of high school when the school band was invited on a trip to New York. His father feared for Rigo's safety and did not permit him to go. This experience was his reality check.

As an undocu-youth, Rigo's future endeavors are clouded by this aspect of his identity. The future is complicated for any person to distinguish for themselves, but his future rests heavily on the state of our democracy. However, this will not stop him from pursuing an education. Rigo is currently applying to SBCC to study mechanical engineering. He plans on learning and looking for a place that will allow him to work so he can help his father support their family. Rigo believes that SBCC is his turning point to build something for himself and his family.

In 2021, Rigo and his family had set up an appointment to get him DACA, thinking ahead to his senior year. But, unfortunately, a couple of days before the appointment date, it was canceled due to the ruling of the Texas court. This not only put a wrench in Rigo’s future but confirmed to him and his family how fragile DACA is. The uncertainty it holds and living with the threat that it can be taken away or not valued forced Rigo’s family to look at alternative means.

In 2022, Rigo’s family sought legal support on what could be done. An option presented is to transfer Rigo’s custody. The total cost culminated to $15,000. Rigo and his family are seeking any support that you can provide. Your generosity can foster a new beginning for Rigo and his family. Please give what you can, and rest assured that the money will be helping a worthy individual.