DACA Ruling Update
October 7, 2022
Dear UTRGV Family,
In July 2021, we informed you that a federal judge in Texas had ruled that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was illegal and ordered the Biden administration to stop granting new applications.
That decision was appealed by the federal government, and on Wednesday, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that it agreed with the lower court’s decision that DACA is unlawful. However, the three-judge panel also decided to keep DACA in place while the lower court analyzes revisions implemented by the Biden administration in August to save DACA from future legal challenges.
In the meantime, please note that this latest ruling will not affect current DACA recipients who have the two-year renewable work permits. However, the ruling will continue to prohibit the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from accepting new DACA applicants.
We continue to be disappointed with this latest ruling, but remain hopeful that Congress will act swiftly to provide Dreamers with a path for citizenship.
DACA recipients are an integral part of UTRGV’s community, and we will continue to support all our students and employees.
DACA and this decision affects us all in various ways, and we want to remind you of some resources UTRGV has that can help support you during this time:
- DREAM Resource Center: Established in 2018 on both our Brownsville and Edinburg campuses, this center provides support services and resources in a safe space for all our students.
- DREAM Zone Advocates: Members of the UTRGV community (student, faculty, and staff) who have been trained to support, guide, and empower members of our campus community.
- UT Employee Assistance Program: Offers a variety of services including counseling consultation services with a licensed mental health professional, legal and financial resources, and work-life referrals.
- Counseling Center: Confidential support for personal issues or concerns.
- Student Life and the Dean of Students: Advocacy and resources for UTRGV students.
Regardless of this ruling, UTRGV remains committed to being an affirming and supportive university community; one that provides students access to affordable, world-class educational opportunities and the services they need to be successful.
If you have any specific questions about the policy or need guidance, please email dreamer@utrgv.edu.
Sincerely,
Guy Bailey
President
Rebecca Gadson
Dean of Students