President’s speeches, letters, and articles
Subject: DACA Amicus Letter
October 10, 2019
Dear Students, Staff, and Faculty,
A few days ago, Reed College joined with more than 140 colleges and universities in the fight to maintain protections for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients in a case that will be heard this November by the Supreme Court of the United States. Reed stands with DACA recipients as they withstand threats to the protections they were promised.
On September 25, 2017, the Trump administration rescinded DACA. This action put more than 700,000 undocumented students at risk of deportation. These young people, often known as “Dreamers,” were brought to this country as children and in many instances have known no other home. DACA protections made it possible for Dreamers to get driver’s licenses, gain greater access to college, work authorization, and protection from deportation; in essence, DACA allowed recipients to become active and productive members in the communities in which they were raised.
The Court could hand down a ruling as soon as February 2020 that will determine whether DACA recipients will lose the ability to live, study, and work in the United States. Reed College signed the Amicus Brief to fight to uphold the promise that was made to Dreamers. DACA recipients built their lives in the United States and are American in every way. They deserve to be treated with dignity and humanity.
For those of you who have less than one year before needing to renew your DACA application, legal advocates are encouraging you to reapply quickly. We have provided resources on the Diversity at Reed website. Those in need of additional assistance may contact Britt Hoover, Assistant Dean for Student Support.
Sincerely,
Audrey