19
July
2021
|
09:30 AM
America/Los_Angeles

An Update on DACA from President Neufeldt and Interim Chief Diversity Officer Basu

Dear CSUSM Community,

Yesterday afternoon a federal judge in Texas ruled to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. While this decision does not immediately remove existing protections for current DACA students, it does prevent the approval of new applications for DACA-eligible individuals. This is extremely distressing news and, like so many of you, we are still processing what this means for many members of our community.

Our hearts go out to those on our campus and in our surrounding communities for whom yesterday’s ruling has created new uncertainty and fear. Please know that you are not alone. We stand in solidarity with our DACA recipients, Dreamers, undocumented community members and all those with mixed-status families. Now and always, our commitment remains to support the success of all students, ensuring that anyone who dreams of earning a college degree has that opportunity at Cal State San Marcos. 

Today, we renew our call for immediate and permanent legislative action to protect DACA and DACA-eligible students through comprehensive immigration reform. Our nation’s students deserve a clear and protected pathway to citizenship. 

As we navigate through this difficult time, please know there are resources available to you on campus: 

Our DREAMer Resource Office is available to provide support and connect students with important services, including free legal services. 

Student Health and Counseling Services is committed to supporting students’ health needs and promoting their social, emotional and physical well-being. Contact SHCS at shcs@csusm.edu or 760-750-4915 to make an appointment. 

For faculty, FACES offers resources and, for staff, the Staff Center is available. For all employees, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides special services and 24-hour counseling support. 

In the coming days, we will learn more about the implications of this judicial decision. It is our sincere hope that there will be lasting and meaningful change that removes any future instability while also providing a clear pathway to citizenship. In the interim, it is important that as a university community we respect and advocate for one another as we continue to support all students in their academic journeys, supporting their potential to be positive changemakers of tomorrow. 

In solidarity,

Ellen Neufeldt 
President 

Ranjeeta Basu 
Interim Chief Diversity Officer