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ASB 2012-2013 - American at Heart: Identity, Immigration, and Politics

Basic Information
Application Process: 
ASB 2012-2013
Trip Name: 
American at Heart: Identity, Immigration, and Politics
Trip Location: 
San Diego and Los Angeles, CA
Air Travel Trip: 
No
Number of Participants: 
12
Trip Description: 

At the intersection of identity and public policy, immigration presents the United States with a population that is in a state of flux. The United States is a nation founded and perpetuated by its changing immigrant population, and what public policy dictates as American often disagrees with individual personal identities as Americans. What rights are our immigrants entitled to, and when or how is someone authentically American? This trip will focus on issues such as public health and education that arise through immigration, specifically in the increasingly diverse state of California. In the winter quarter course we will gain an understanding of the groups of people we will visit over Spring Break. Through service and learning, we will explore the complex issues that arise at the confluence of cultures, economies, and national and personal interests.  

The issues of immigration have become an increasingly polarizing issue in this election year with President Obama's executive order of Deferred Action, and a ‘comprehensive immigration reform’ appears to be an issue that will be undertaken in the next presidential term. California alone is home to more than 10 million immigrants, many of whom are not recognized by the United States as citizens. The vast immigrant population faces many daily challenges, from the cultural barriers of language to the other issues such as access to higher education and healthcare. The majority of these immigrants do not have access to proper health care or even higher education due to lack of financial support. We will evaluate and challenge our own opinions in order to evaluate what the best course of action would be to improve the current situation.

From the migrant farmers in the central valley, the refugee populations in San Diego, and the undocumented workers in Los Angeles, we will explore the idea of the authentic American experience. We will visit non-profit organizations that deal with immigration issues, congressmen, and border patrol, and other organizations to gain a holistic perspective of the issue and to formulate or renew a perspective of our own.

Trip Leaders
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Fabiola Esquivel

Hello! I am Fabiola, a current sophomore, potentially majoring in Public Policy or Economics. Growing up in Los Angeles, I have always been expose to immigration, especially being the daughter of previously undocumented immigrants and living in a community mainly composed of immigrants both documented and undocumented. Seeing friends who have grown up in the United States be denied a college education made me question the policies of the United States. Once I had arrived at Stanford I found out that it was a sort of anomaly to have previously undocumented parents which sparked my interest in immigration issues. That is why I participated in the ASB Trip Life in the Shadows last year. I wanted to explore the subject further and gain a broader perspective on an issue that has had such a great impact on my life. My friends would describe me as fun and outgoing with a unique sense of humor. I am a go with the flow kind of girl. In my free time you will catch me watching my favorite shows or out and about exploring San Francisco and rummaging through the latest sales. I cannot wait to start this trip and meet this year’s ASB participants!

Jordan Carroll

Hello! My name is Jordan Carroll and I am a sophomore interested in public service, non-profit work, books, and exploring new things. I enjoy hiking, running, camping, and am an avid fan of the Portland Trailblazers. I was born in Portland, Oregon, but lived most of my life in Jakarta, Indonesia and Busan, Korea. Traveling often during my young life provided formative experiences that caused me to question what being an American meant to me and I became very interested in issues of immigration and national identity when I moved back to Portland in high school. I participated in last year’s ASB trip to San Diego that gave me the opportunity as a non-immigrant to gain a greater perspective of immigrant life in America, and immigration became an issue that I cannot help but to continue to seek a deeper understanding of. I believe immigration is amongst the most important issues facing America today, and that regardless of background, every American should invest the time to learn more about it.