By 
Immigrants have long been the backbone of America, shaping its economy, infrastructure, and culture. Yet their stories are often buried beneath layers of prejudice. For Kent Wong, a labor attorney and dedicated advocate for immigrant rights, this reality serves as both a reminder and a call to action as immigrant communities face unprecedented threats to their safety and livelihood.
“Our country owes so much to immigrants,” said Kent, Director of Labor and CommunityPartnerships at UCLA and member of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Solidarity Council on Racial Equity. “But instead, they are constantly targeted with dehumanizing rhetoric and racist policies.”
Kent’s commitment to lifting immigrant voices is deeply personal. As a fifth-generation Chinese American, he sees his family’s history reflected in the struggles of today’s immigrants. “My great-great-grandfather came to California during the Gold Rush,” he shared. “But even after 170 years, people still question whether I belong. That’s the legacy of white supremacy, even though immigrants built modern-day America.”
Kent often points to policies that he believes place immigrants and potential immigrants in a no-win situation. “Our country’s foreign and corporate policy exploits other parts of the world for the sake of massive profits,” he said. Kent notes immigrants choose to come to the U.S. to reunite with family who live here and can provide a safe haven for them.
Kent highlights the COVID-19 pandemic as a recent example of the irony of how immigrants were indirectly praised as essential workers while being blamed for economic issues and crime. “The tendency to blame immigrants for societal challenges despite the fact that they are often the ones who help sustain it is extremely troubling.”
Throughout his career, Kent has been inspired by the resilience of immigrant communities. “Some of the finest students I’ve worked with have been undocumented,” he said. “And against all odds, they’re thriving and pouring back into their communities.”
In 2011, Kent and his colleagues launched the Dream Summer program through UCLA’s Labor Center, which has provided over 1,000 undocumented students with opportunities to develop skills, build networks, and connect with social justice organizations. For Kent, Dream Summer is not just a professional development initiative; it’s a vital platform for fostering resilience and leadership in the face of systemic barriers. The program will be entering its 15th year at a critical time to defend immigrant communities.
Kent believes that past and present challenges demand a reimagined future—one built on solidarity and justice. He recalls mass mobilizations in 2017 when communities united to resist the Muslim ban. “People were rallying and protesting at airports all across the country,” he said. “And I recall how strongly the Asian American community responded to that.” These moments, he explained, provide a blueprint for the work ahead. “We have to ask ourselves what kind of future we want. Will we stand by silently, or will we stand together in our shared humanity to defend the rights and dignity of all immigrant communities?” Across the country, immigrant communities are finding ways to support children. Kent highlighted the efforts of teachers and advocates in Los Angeles who stand up for immigrant students. “Our schools should be places where young people can thrive, free from fear.
Kent acknowledges efforts in Los Angeles and elsewhere to support immigrants, including children and families. “This decision reflects a growing commitment between local leadership and their communities to navigate immigration policies thoughtfully,” he said. “It’s important for other towns and cities to consider approaches that prioritize community trust and public safety while addressing local needs.”
For Kent, the fight for immigrant justice is more than advocating for equitable practices, it’s about reclaiming our shared humanity. He challenges communities nationwide to take a stand – whether by examining local policies, investing in programs like Dream Summer, or simply speaking out against bigotry, shifting the narrative away from rhetoric designed to fuel fear and mistrust. “Immigrants aren’t just contributors to our economy. They’re our neighbors, caregivers, and leaders,” he said. “When we fight for their rights, we’re fighting for a better future for all of us.”
As the country faces an uncertain and often difficult journey ahead, Kent still believes change is possible. “This is a critical time. We need to rise together, not just to defend immigrant communities, but to build a world where everyone can thrive.”
Kent is also preparing to release his upcoming book, “Art and Activism of the Immigrant Youth Movement”, this summer. The book explores immigrant youth’s vital role in social justice and community change, offering a deeper understanding of the activism that drives these movements.
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