Supreme Court Decision on DACA Expected Soon

Dear CSUSM Community,

This month, the Supreme Court of the United States is expected to make a decision about the status of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which provides protection from deportation and a work permit to undocumented individuals who entered the U.S. as young minors.

We send a message of support to all members of our community who may be impacted to let you know that, regardless of the outcome, we are here for you. CSUSM is committed to fully supporting students, faculty, staff and their family members who have DACA status. We also stand with our undocumented community members.

At CSUSM, we believe everyone has the right to pursue their academic interests, complete their education, and find their passion regardless of immigration status or national origin. Our DACA and undocumented students are valued members of our university family. As a campus dedicated to values of inclusive excellence and social justice, we support the continuation of DACA and are hopeful that the outcome does not result in the termination of the program – which could impact the lives of nearly 700,000 young people nationwide in the middle of a worldwide pandemic and while mass protests against structural racism take place in America and around the world. However, in the event that DACA is rescinded, we want you to be aware of the resources that are available now and once the ruling is issued.

The CSUSM DREAMer Resource Office

• The CSUSM DREAMer Resource Office is a vital entity that provides holistic support and information to undocumented students and the campus community.
• In collaboration with two regional nonprofit organizations, the DREAMer Resource Office offers free immigration legal services, Know Your Rights workshops, and family safety plans free of charge to all CSUSM students and employees.
• The next virtual conversation, “Understanding the Supreme Court Decision on DACA: What Happens Next?” will take place on Thursday, June 18. If you would like to attend, please RSVP online.

Other CSUSM Resources

• For our students, our student life centers for identity, inclusion and empowerment are open virtually, including the Black Student Center, Cross-Cultural Center, Gender Equity Center, Latin@/x Center and LGBTQA Pride Center.
• In addition, for students, our dedicated team of Student Health and Counseling Services professionals are available to assist you and may be contacted at 760-750-4915.
• The Cougar Care Network can also provide information about on- and off-campus resources at 760-750-7627.
• For faculty and staff, the Employee Assistance Program is available at 1-800-367-7474.
• For all CSUSM community members, the Office of University Ombuds also offers confidential and neutral assistance; and the Office of Inclusive Excellence also offers a number of resources and may be reached at diversity@csusm.edu.

Off-campus Resources:

• CSU Resources for Undocumented Students
• Immigrants Rising: Mental Health Connector
• United We Dream
• My Undocumented Life
• San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium

This is a tumultuous time, and this impending Supreme Court decision weighs heavy on so many of us -- even more so now that there is so much uncertainty and disruption due to COVID-19 and ongoing displays of intolerance, hate and xenophobia across our country. We want to reiterate to all the undocumented members of our CSUSM family that you are valued and we admire your courage, resilience and persistence. No matter what the Supreme Court’s decision is, we will continue to welcome and support you with open arms.

We are in this together, and we will continue to keep you updated with more information and resources as they are available.