Re: DACA Decision
To: All students, faculty and staff
June 18, 2020
Dear Campus Community,
In a time of great challenges for all of us, but particularly those among us with the greatest need and the least access to resources, it is with great hope and gratification that I write today to share news of the U.S. Supreme Court’s historic decision to uphold DACA.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which provides work permits and protection from deportation for close to 700,000 DACA recipients, had been rescinded by the current administration, setting off a string of appeals that brought it to the Supreme Court, proudly led by the University of California. Students, faculty, staff and supporters from throughout the UC system and across the nation rallied time and again, tirelessly making their voices heard in support of our undocumented students and undocumented persons nationwide.
Our voices have been heard, and I could not be happier for our undocumented students and employees and their families. They have had to face constant uncertainty about their status in this country—for many, the only country they’ve ever known. Today, at least, they can rest knowing that justice has been done.
Of course, more work needs to be done. I join UC President Janet Napolitano and the rest of the UC chancellors in calling on Congress to pass a permanent legislative solution to protect DACA recipients and create a sensible pathway to citizenship.
UC Merced remains committed to sustaining the continued success of DACA recipients and to securing permanent relief for these aspiring Americans. They contribute in so many positive ways to our communities, our culture, our society and our economy, and they deserve our full support.
Sincerely,
Nathan Brostrom
Interim Chancellor
