Gavia Grewal

  

Volume 9 | Issue II | June 2025

Mission San Jose High School ’26

California, United States

  

As a first-generation student, my interest in immigration policy is deeply personal. My parents’ and grandparents’ journey through the US immigration system shaped how I see the world. Recently, I have heard many hopeful and heartbreaking stories from immigrants I have volunteered with as they prepare for their citizenship tests. These conversations made it clear to me that immigration is about more than laws and paperwork; it is about dignity, identity, and access to belonging. My fascination with US immigration policy deepened when I began working with politicians on border security policy issues. I was struck by how political party interests and religious affiliations play a powerful role in shaping immigration laws. That realization inspired me to research the intersection of religion, politics, and immigration policy, which became the focus of my paper published in The Schola. I was interested in exploring how the Republican Party’s alignment with evangelical communities has influenced immigration frameworks. I was determined to understand why the Republican Party tailors so much of its platform and immigration policy to align with evangelical values. What I found was a complex strategy that was rooted in religious identity, voter mobilization, cultural narratives, and the pursuit of long-term political power. Outside of research, I enjoy writing articles, staying politically engaged, playing water polo, and traveling. In the future, I hope to pursue a career in law and continue advocating for inclusive policy.