WSU workshop for illegal alien students aims to ‘normalize being undocumented’
Washington State University (WSU) held a workshop for illegal immigrants Friday to explain the resources the university offers them.
Marcela Pattinson, assistant director of multicultural student services at WSU, said the workshop was aimed toward incoming freshman students, according to The Daily Evergreen.
“My work is to create programs and pathways for all the students, no matter the color of their skin or sexual orientation,” Pattinson said. “And help them stay here and graduate.”
[RELATED: Columbia offers illegal immigrant students free legal help, ‘stress management’]
One of the resources highlighted by the workshop was “Mariposas Poderosas,” which means “powerful butterflies” -- a class including a workbook called “Making DREAMs Come True.”
One of the many support systems for illegal aliens at WSU is an art program called Mariposas Creative Care.
The program leader “will paint and do activities that allow [illegal immigrant students] to work through their fears,” Pattinson said.
The workshop also lets illegal immigrants know that the university has an immigration clinic on campus, with both a student legal lawyer and immigration lawyer available.
“[Illegal immigrant students] decide when they want the help, or if they want the help,” Pattinson said. “Maybe if I normalize being undocumented, more students will come to get the help.”
[RELATED: UC Berkeley teaches illegal aliens how to ‘fight back’ against ICE]
Dale Wilcox, executive director and general counsel of the Immigration Reform Law Institute, warned against providing support to illegal aliens.
“Encouraging bad behavior can only result in more bad behavior,” he told Campus Reform. “Parents who are mortgaging their homes to pay bloated tuition are justified in asking how much of their money is subsidizing programs that benefit those here illegally and not their own children.”
Campus Reform reached out to Pattinson and WSU but did not receive a comment in time for publication.
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