Educational Leaders Ask Trump to Protect DACA

The leaders of California’s higher education bodies appealed to President-elect Donald Trump to preserve the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

Incoming California Community College Chancellor, Eloy Ortiz Oakley, joined with University of California President Janet Napolitano and Cal State Chancellor Timothy P. White to formally ask President-elect Donald Trump to preserve DACA, which gives help to undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as children.

All three chancellors stated in a letter dated Nov. 29 that DACA students should not be punished for the actions of others and ”should be able to pursue their dream of higher education
without fear of being arrested, deported, or rounded up for just trying to learn.

“…we urge you to continue this important program and allow these young people to continue to pursue a college education and contribute to their communities and the nation,” the letter continued.

In a related action, a Nov. 23 email from the admissions and records office warned some Fresno City College students about how policy changes under the new presidential administration could impact their lives.

The email stated that DACA could be ending when the President-elect Trump takes office. Trump stated on his website that he has plans to “immediately terminate [President Obama’s] executive amnesties,” which include DACA.

The email urged students who have not signed up for DACA and those whose papers are up for renewal to take action immediately, before Trump takes office.

The email reads in part, “If you are planning to apply for DACA, you should do so as quickly as possible. First time applicants need to be aware that their application may not be approved by January 20. At this time, it is uncertain when and how the processing of these first time applications will be handled.”

The email informs students that they could get free legal services, including applications and renewals for DACA, from the Insure America Project in Fresno.  Loans are available for the $465-$495 application fee.

The Insure America Project is located at 4969 E. McKinley Ave., Suite 203 and can also be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 559-573-8054.

Goldsmith said she has had a chance to speak with local leaders and immigrants in the community, including a few students who were worried because they were DACA students.

“Fresno City College,” Goldsmith said, “will stand to always be a safe place for all students.”