Anabella Bastida, a passionate activist for immigrant rights, graduated as a doctor of law from the school People’s College of Law in Los Angeles, thus achieving one of her most precious desires, to be a lawyer for the people.
“Life goes so fast. I vividly remember when I was crossing the desert and after several days without food, we saw the lights of the cars in the distance. We were already here. The fatigue was exhausting, but my heart was beating strongly. We had arrived in the land of opportunity,” Anabella said in her graduation speech.
In interview with The opinionstated that her graduation was one of the most special moments of her life, especially because she was accompanied by her family and the people who have supported her throughout her life.
“Feeling their love in that ceremony is priceless,” he said.
The culmination of her studies was very emotional for Anabella. She also marked the final chapter of the school People’s College of Law, who closed its doors after this graduation after 50 years of existence in Los Angeles. Anabella, she was one of the last two graduates along with Roberto David LaCarra, a professor at the community colleges.
Anabella was born in Michoacán, Mexico. In the 90s, she emigrated to Los Angeles along with her husband Eduardo Aguilar and her daughter Rocío Aguilar, who is now a mathematics teacher at Cerritos Colleges.
While working multiple jobs, he earned his high school diploma and took English as a Second Language classes at Compton Community College.
“I graduated from California State University, Dominguez Hill, with a degree in liberal studies and a master’s degree in education there.”
Already graduated, she worked for almost 15 years for the Council of Mexican Federations (COFEM) where she became the director; and in 2020 she joined the Coalition for Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) as director of membership and member services.
“During Covid-19, thanks to the leadership of Angélica Salas, at CHIRLA we were able to bring vaccines and tests to the places most in need, and to those who were needed most. “We also gave help for rent and distributed food.”
He said that when he was at COFEM, he developed plans for the preparation of civic promoters who would later be known as promoters. “We established scholarships so that undocumented students could go to university, and in my time we gave to more than 500; and we also help thousands to become citizens.”
In his long career he has distinguished himself by advocating for immigration reform and initiatives that benefit immigrants in the areas of health, disaster preparedness, and civic engagement.
A decisive moment in his life was when he had the opportunity to be present at the Supreme Court and hear arguments in the case United States v. Texas on the constitutionality of the DAPA program, which never came into force and sought to give residence to the parents of children born in United States.
During her graduation, which was held at the facilities of the CARECEN organization, Anabella said that she will always treasure in her heart the message that her daughter Rocío gave when she spoke.
“She said that my sacrifice as an immigrant mother has served as an inspiration to her. It is beautiful to see how we influence the people we love.”
The activist revealed that she experienced a graduation full of many emotions.
“With my graduation it comes to an end People’s College of Lawwhich gave students from different backgrounds, people of color, undocumented and low-income people, the opportunity to study law and become lawyers.”
Once her dream of graduating as a lawyer has been fulfilled, Anabella said she will begin preparing for the California Bar exam.
“I know it’s not easy, but I’m persistent and determined, and I’m going to get through it,” she shares.
Proof of her perseverance is that at 51 years old, she finished her second career as a lawyer.
“It is a great achievement, because I faced the language challenge, since English is not my first language.”
He recalled that he also came to think that he would not graduate, after the Bar Association’s announcement that they would close the school.
“About 40 organizations supported us to at least let us finish and graduate the last generation of students, and we did it.”
He said that his wishes now are to use the knowledge acquired in People’s College of Law to continue in the fight and work to represent the poorest communities, to have fairer laws and better opportunities.
“I want to continue helping because I love this country with all my heart. “This country gave an immigrant like me, who started working in warehouses and washing cars, the opportunity to go to Dominguez Hills University to get a bachelor’s and master’s degree, and now I achieved what I had always wanted, to be a lawyer.” .
So she stated that she feels very blessed because along her path she has encountered angels who have helped her.
“I only have gratitude for those people who have supported me to get to where I am.”