Butterfly Coalition and CPS Host Day of Action Event to Raise Awareness for Undocumented Immigrants
By Alli Dayton, Managing/News Editor
Students hold “I Stand with Immigrants Because…” signs at the Butterfly Coalition and CPS’s Day of Action event on Nov. 2, 2022 (Photo courtesy of Molly Hoffman)
On Wednesday, Nov. 2, the Butterfly Coalition and members of the Center for Public Service’s (CPS) “Driving PA Forward” working group hosted a day of action outside of CUB to raise awareness and stand in solidarity with undocumented immigrants living in the United States.
The Butterfly Coalition’s mission is to provide support for undocumented students as well as raise awareness of current immigration issues, which is why this day is significant for the organization.
“This is the 7th time that we’ve done this event because of the current state of DACA right now; this is what we’re focusing on to make sure we’re supporting everyone on campus regardless of their status,” said Butterfly Coalition President Angely Arriaza ’23. “We’re creating a home away from home here at Gettysburg College to show solidarity for the immigrant community on campus.”
Butterfly Coalition officer Cynthia Ortiz-Sanchez ’26 echoed this statement.
“This event is to make sure that we give representation to a community that has been marginalized for so long. We need to make sure that we’re raising awareness and bringing equality no matter what your status is,” said Ortiz-Sanchez.
CPS Program Coordinators Molly Hoffman ’24 and Rachel Farbman ’25 discussed the relevance of this event, given the pending Pennsylvania legislation.
CPS Program Coordinators Rachel Farbman ’25 (left) and Molly Hoffman ’24 hold a sign for Driving PA Forward at the CPS and the Butterfly Coalition’s Day of Action event on Nov. 2, 2022 (Photo Alli Dayton/The Gettysburgian)
Hoffman said, “In the Pennsylvania legislature, there’s a bill that we’re trying to get passed called House Bill 279 that would allow immigrants to get their driver’s license with a tax ID number instead of a social security number.”
“It also protects PennDOT from sharing information with ICE,” said Farbman. “If ICE says they want the data from undocumented immigrants, then PennDOT would not have to give it to them if this bill passes.”
In addition to the protection offered to undocumented immigrants by HB279, Hoffman and Farbman noted that the bill would provide benefits to local communities.
“A lot of money in a very short amount of time would be brought to Pennsylvania with this bill because of car insurance, taxes, and commerce in towns that undocumented individuals would provide,” said Farbman.
Students who attended the event received stickers, candy, and free T-shirts. They also highlighted their perspectives on the event by filling out signs that stated why they “stand with immigrants.”
Attendee Guillermo ’25 shared, “I think it’s important that people are aware and identify with the experiences that other people may have. It’s not as easy to integrate as people may think, which is why events like this are so important to bring attention and inclusivity.
