Dear Marquette community,
We write to you today to once again affirm our support for Dreamers, undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children – many of whom are members of our Marquette family.
Since 2012, hundreds of thousands of Dreamers have experienced educational and economic benefits through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which has provided temporary reprieve from deportation and the opportunity to remain in the United States, work and attend school.
However DACA is once again in peril due to a federal court ruling on Friday that has resulted in an immediate halt to processing new applications. While the ruling does not affect the status of current recipients, the future of the DACA program remains in question.
As a Catholic, Jesuit institution, we stand by the tenets of Catholic Social Teaching and the writings of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and it is our position that access to a Marquette education will never be conditioned upon legal immigration status. We also support a pathway for Dreamers to legalize their immigration status and urge Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform, which has broad bipartisan and popular support.
We understand that the rollercoaster of legal challenges to the DACA program and the inability of Congress to agree upon a permanent legislative fix has created a pervasive atmosphere of stress and anxiety for Dreamers and their families. If you are struggling, know that you do not have to walk this path alone. Students who have immigration-related needs or questions can reach out to the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion or the Dreamers Support Committee. Additional resources, including links to academic, mental health and legal support services, can be found here. The Marquette Counseling Center is also a free resource to students.
Marquette is proud of the hard work and resilience that our Dreamers have exhibited in the face of overwhelming challenges. We remain resolute and committed to supporting your well-being, fostering a welcoming environment, and promoting your success. And we will continue advocating for your futures in the country you call home.
Sincerely,
Dr. William Welburn
Vice President for Inclusive Excellence
Jacki Black
Director for Hispanic Initiatives and Diversity and Inclusion Educational Programming