PORTLAND, Ore. — As Portland State University welcomes its most diverse incoming class in history, they are celebrating a new resource center dedicated to DREAMers, an effort that's taken more than six years of work from students, faculty and staff.
It's designed to provide a "wrap-around support system" where students won't have to worry about disclosing their immigration status or be judged for it. Most colleges and universities, including Oregon State University and Portland Community College, have such centers.
PSU's new center will include resources for students, including a computer lab, one-on-one navigational support, professional development workshops and DREAMer-centered immigration support, according to PSU.
“There is also a private office where students can work with a coordinator who is knowledgeable about barriers and resources DREAMers experience while working to realize their academic and professional goals,” said Joanna Jauregui, program coordinator for the center.
University officials say the DREAMer Resource Center "formalizes PSU's commitment to providing a safe, supportive space for DREAMERs." The name comes from the DREAM Act, designed to grant legal status to young undocumented immigrants whose parents brought them to the U.S. as children.
"There is a place at PSU for everyone, especially those who have been undeserved and traditionally excluded from higher education," said Portland State President Ann Cudd during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Roughly 54% of this year's incoming freshman at PSU identify as BIPOC, with 24% identifying as Hispanic or Latino. More than half of the incoming students are the first in their families to go to college.