Dear SJECCD Community:
As the United States Supreme Court hears arguments on the future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program this week, I want to take time to reiterate San José – Evergreen Community College District’s (SJECCD) commitment to the proposition that quality, affordable higher education; job training; and career development opportunities should be available and accessible to every individual and family in California, regardless of ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, gender, socioeconomic, or immigration status.
While this week’s hearing has elevated concern and anxiety over the future of the program, it is important to know—and to ensure that our students know—that the current status of the DACA program will not change immediately. The US Supreme Court is expected to announce its decision sometime before June 2020. Until then, current DACA recipients are still able to renew their applications and maintain their status, although first-time applications are not currently allowed.
Undocumented immigrants are among the most vulnerable members of society. Given the divisive national rhetoric surrounding immigration, it is as important now as it has ever been that we set an example for the rest of the country by upholding California’s values by offering pathways and resources for our undocumented students as they strive to meet their educational goals.
Of the estimated 223,000 California Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) participants, more than 70,000 are enrolled at California Community Colleges, including many right here at SJECCD.
Many of these students are the first in their families to attend college and serve as role models for family members and others in their communities. It is vital that we assure all in our community that our campuses are committed to serving all students equally, regardless of immigration status, and reaffirm our belief that Californians of all backgrounds deserve a chance to obtain a higher education.
In addition to the social and humanitarian imperatives, providing educational support for immigrant and undocumented students has significant economic benefits for California and our region. According to a recent study by the CATO Institute, the US economy could shrink by $215 billion over the next decade without undocumented student policies like DACA in place. In short, it is undeniable that immigrants (Dreamers) make valuable contributions to our communities, the state, and the nation.
At SJECCD, we stand with all students and call on our elected officials to take action against the numerous proposals and policies that have been implemented in recent years, which have engendered fear and uncertainty among our undocumented students. While the Undocumented Student Week of Action served as an important kickoff, we will need to continue these efforts throughout the year.
I want to thank each and every one of you for the work you do every day to support our students and community as we continue to promote our District’s values of Opportunity, Equity, and Social Justice – for everyone.
Sincerely,
Byron
Byron D. Clift Breland, Ph.D.
Chancellor
San Jose – Evergreen Community College District
