Message from the President: DACA Update
December 7, 2020
Dear UTRGV Family:
Late Friday afternoon, a federal district court judge instructed the Trump administration to accept new applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, vacating a memo from the acting Homeland Security secretary who had suspended it.
The judge also said the U.S. Department of Homeland Security must post a public notice within three days - including on its website and the websites of all other relevant government agencies - that new DACA applications are being accepted.
While subject to appeal, this is the second favorable court ruling regarding DACA this year. You may recall that, in June, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to reject the Trump Administration’s effort to end DACA, which protects undocumented immigrants who have lived in the United States since childhood.
These rulings are significant and vital for current and, now, future DACA students and employees, who are an integral part of our UTRGV community. We are thrilled that these individuals will be allowed to continue their academic and employment journeys under DACA’s protection, consistent with UTRGV’s commitment to promoting diversity, access, and inclusion and ensuring that all members of the university community have opportunities to succeed.
As always, UTRGV will continue to support our undocumented and DACA students and employees. If you have any questions or need guidance, please email dreamer@utrgv.edu. In addition, the university has several support services available to assist you:
- DREAM Resource Center: This center was created in 2018 on both our Brownsville and Edinburg campuses to provide support services and resources in a safe space for undocumented and DACA members of our campus community. For more information, click here.
- DREAM Zone Advocates: Members of the UTRGV community (student, faculty, or staff) who have been trained to provide support, resource, and empowerment to undocumented and DACA members of our campus community. For a list of DREAM Zone Advocates, click here.
- UT Employee Assistance Program: The EAP offers a variety of services including counseling consultation services with a licensed mental health professional, legal and financial resources, and work-life referrals. For more information, click here.
Sincerely,
Guy Bailey
President