Universities calling for aid to DACA recipients during covid19 pandemic

Undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients have been living lives in limbo for years. The covid19 pandemic response has continued to leave them in the lurch, excluding them from federal stimulus funding and educational grants on the basis of their legal status. State/local governments, universities, and community groups — sanctuary networks — have been stepping up to fill the yawning gaps. Among them is Metro State Denver President Janine Davidson who penned an op-ed “Now Is the Time to Stand Up for DACA Recipients and DREAMers” in The Hill calling for specific actions to assist DACA recipients as they await a Supreme Court ruling on the DACA rescission:

Along with other university presidents and chancellors in Colorado, I have urged my congressional representatives to automatically extend work authorization for DACA recipients for two years through legislation and simultaneously call upon the administration to do the same.

We have also asked for legislation that would provide permanent protection for Dreamers without hurting or penalizing other immigrant communities; and we’ve lobbied the administration to refrain from arresting, detaining or deporting Dreamers until Congress enacts permanent relief.

These are the short- and long-term solutions that are needed now to support these aspiring Americans who already contribute so much to our economy and communities, and who will help ensure our nation recovers and prospers beyond this current crisis. 

MHC