William Rainey Harper College Resolution in Support of DACA

WHEREAS, on Tuesday, September 5, 2017, President Donald Trump and the Justice Department announced the end of the program known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

WHEREAS, with this announcement, Congress has been given a six month timeframe to enact legislation that would determine the legal status and ultimate fate of nearly 800,000 immigrants, knows as “Dreamers,” who were brought into the United States as children, and who are eligible under the existing DACA program to apply for temporary residence in the United States; and

WHEREAS, community colleges are committed to serving a diverse student population and have provided the gateway into higher education for many undocumented students.

WHEREAS, 36 percent of DACA recipients who are 25 years and older already have obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher. More importantly, 94 percent of students who are currently in school have recognized DACA for giving them the opportunity to pursue higher education when they would not have had the chance before; and

WHEREAS, with more students graduating with credentials and/or degrees because of the DACA program, the U.S. economy has benefitted. Research has shown that DACA recipients will contribute $460.3 billion to the
U.S. gross domestic product over the next decade – economic growth that would be lost with the end of DACA; and

WHEREAS, DACA has not only removed the cloud of deportation, it has encouraged young Dreamers to further their education, improve their job prospects, provide greater economic security for both themselves and their families, and strengthen our workforce, which is critical if we want to stay competitive in a global economy; and

WHEREAS, the future of these Dreamers and the DACA program is uncertain for the next 6 months as the U.S. Congress is given a deadline to enact legislation.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that William Rainey Harper College stands with undocumented students and in strong support of DACA.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that William Rainey Harper College will assure that all students feel welcome and safe on our campuses, regardless of immigration status.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge Congress to support a permanent legislative solution to protect Dreamers and pass the bipartisan Dream Act of 2017 introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) or similar legislation.

William Rainey Harper College is part of Achieving the Dream, a national network of more than 220 colleges in 39 states and the District of Columbia colleges committed to helping their students, particularly low-income students and students of color, achieve their goals for academic success, personal growth, and economic opportunity.