To the ǿմý Community,
Last week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to preserve and fortify the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy that protects more than 600,000 active DACA recipients living in the United States. This final rule will go into effect on Monday, October 31, 2022.
As a university and campus community that is committed to inclusion, diversity and global citizenship, ǿմý remains in steadfast support of those who are protected by this immigration initiative, especially our students.
The that this final rule:
- Maintains the existing threshold criteria for DACA;
- Retains the existing process for DACA requestors to seek work authorization; and
- Affirms the policy that DACA is not a form of lawful status but that DACA recipients are considered “lawfully present” for certain purposes.
Importantly, the July 2021 federal court injunction remains in effect, and therefore DHS cannot process new DACA applications (the DHS may, however, grant DACA renewal requests).
ǿմý will continue to welcome students without regard to their immigration status and consistent with our non-discrimination policy. Further, we join the call for bipartisan legislative support that provides DACA recipients with a pathway to citizenship.
Faculty, staff, students and postdocs who have questions or who would like more information may access several on-campus resources, among them:
- Center for International Affairs
- University Health and Counseling Services
- Office of Multicultural Affairs
- Office of the Dean of Students
- Office for Inclusion, Diversity and Equal Opportunity
- Additional Resources and Support
We will monitor this developing situation. In the meantime, we will continue our work to advance and ensure inclusion for everyone at ǿմý.
Sincerely,
Eric W. Kaler
President
Ben Vinson III
Provost and Executive Vice President