UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State President Eric J. Barron has joined with the leaders of all Big Ten institutions in a call for a permanent solution for the beneficiaries of the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. In separate action on the same matter, five members of Pennsylvania’s delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives were among 34 Republican legislators who recently have called for a solution. These and other actions have come following the announcement in September that the DACA program would be ending in March of 2018.
“We urge you to take action on the DACA policy and pass a long-term legislative solution as soon as possible to protect Dreamers, outstanding young people brought to our country as children,” the university leaders wrote in a letter sent to U.S. House and Senate leadership this week.
“The stories we hear on our campuses are troubling – high achieving young adults with uncertain futures. They are nurses, engineers and pharmacy students,” the leaders wrote. “These young people are Americans in every way but immigration status. It remains in our country’s best interest to enable them to use their knowledge, skills and energy to continue to make the strongest possible contribution to communities.”
Penn State’s leaders have made their support for a legislative solution known.
“My leadership team will continue in its work to build a supportive and diverse community that embraces equity and inclusion for all,” Barron said in a message on Sept. 5. “We remain committed to our ultimate goal for all students: to provide them with a world-class education that will help them to become successful, productive members of society.”
In separate action, five U.S. Representatives from Pennsylvania, including G.T. Thompson, Charlie Dent, Brian Fitzpatrick, Pat Meehan and Ryan Costello, were among 34 Republican legislators who signed a letter requesting that U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan hold a vote this month on legislation to protect recipients of the DACA program.
Penn State’s leadership will continue to urge passage of a long-term solution for DACA recipients.
As stated previously, the University will continue to provide important resources:
- Through programs that embrace diversity and promote broad acceptance of differences, and by ensuring equitable access to facilities, programs, resources and services;
- Through support and guidance for all students through Student Affairs, Global Programs, Undergraduate Education, Office of Educational Equity, the Graduate School and more;
- Via Student Legal Services (814-867-4388 or your campus Office of Student Affairs), providing free confidential advice, representation and, when needed, referrals to students – including immigration matters and our Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic in our Law School (centerforimmigrantsr@pennstatelaw.psu.edu);
- With the Affirmative Action Office (814-863-0471) and the Multicultural Resource Center Diversity Advocate for Students/ Counselor (http://equity.psu.edu/reportbias), and short-term counseling services (866-799-2728 or http://ohr.psu.edu/health-matters/employee-assistance-program); and,
- Through University Police and Public Safety, whose officers are devoted to ensuring the safety and security of every member of the University community.