Dear Marquette community:
Marquette University seeks to be an inclusive learning community proud to educate and employ individuals from many backgrounds, perspectives and national origins. While we are encouraged by today’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling regarding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program, we also recognize this decision is not a permanent solution to our broken immigration system in which our Dreamers and undocumented community members remain without a permanent path to citizenship.
In alignment with the U.S. Supreme Court ruling, and true to our Catholic, Jesuit mission, Marquette reaffirms its support for the aspirations, education and emotional well-being of Dreamers and their families, which the university publicly stated in 2017 and again in 2019.
Marquette will continue to follow its policy, adopted Aug. 2, 2017, titled “Guidance for University Employees on Non-MUPD Law Enforcement Actions at Marquette University, Including Immigration Enforcement Action.” This means that with respect to immigration enforcement, Marquette University and the Marquette University Police Department will follow the law, but will not act as an arm of federal immigration enforcement. Marquette is bound by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and therefore will not release information about students unless required to by law or court action. Marquette does not control or supervise off-campus or other police authorities (local, state or federal) and therefore cannot address any actions by those agencies.
Marquette offers the following resources and support for Dreamers and their families:
- The Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion should be the first point of contact for those who have immigration needs and related questions. Under the leadership of the OIDI, the Dreamers Support Committee also has particular expertise in serving Dreamers. The Center for Engagement and Inclusion is another available resource for assistance around immigration issues.
- The university has compiled a Student Resource Guide that provides information such as how to meet basic necessities, employment/unemployment information, and specific resources for Dreamers, to name a few. While this resource guide is intended to support all students during the COVID-19 pandemic, it also includes specific resources for Dreamers.
- In light of increased financial hardship through the COVID-19 pandemic, all undocumented/DACAmented undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need automatically received an institutional grant to be disbursed on or after May 1, 2020. Because these are institutional funds, the grants will cover any outstanding balance before a refund is generated. Students who experience financial difficulties for any reason should contact Marquette Central.
- Individuals who need legal support can contact one of the following resources:
- Catholic Charities, a program supported by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, provides legal assistance for immigrants living in the United States.
- The Marquette University Law School provides a free legal clinic on Wednesday evenings at the United Community Center in Walker’s Point. It is currently closed due to COVID-19, but offers these online resources.
- Marquette has a number of academic, mental health and spiritual resources available to support undocumented students, including the Dreamers Discussion Group, the Dreamers Support Committee, our Counseling Center and Campus Ministry. Students can find additional resources on the OIDI website.
As a Catholic, Jesuit university committed to cura personalis – care for the whole person – we take very seriously any issue that directly affects our students, their families and the rich diversity of our Marquette community. We are committed to working with our higher education peers, particularly our fellow Jesuit institutions, to fight for the rights of immigrants. Marquette will continue to advocate for legislative proposals that would provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented youth who grew up in the American school system and consider the United States home.
Marquette remains committed to fostering the continued success of our Dreamers. We are proud of the hard work and sacrifices of our Dreamer students and we want you to know that we stand in solidarity with you, now more than ever and regardless of what may come.
We are all Marquette.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael R. Lovell
President
Dr. Kimo Ah Yun
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. William Welburn
Vice President for Inclusive Excellence
Dr. Xavier Cole
Vice President for Student Affairs