More than more than 400 university presidents are urging Congress to reach a resolution for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protective Status (TPS) holders.
The Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration consortium, of which Georgetown University President John J. DeGioia is a founding member, earlier this month sent letters to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).
Easing anxiety and uncertainty for undocumented students
“The high anxiety and uncertainty on our campuses continue as many of our Dreamer students, alumni, and community members, along with those in TPS, fear for their futures and families,” the letter states. “We recognize that bipartisan legislation to protect Dreamers and deal with other immigration matters entails compromise, and we support evidence-based, effective, and commonsense policy solutions.”
The consortium offered to work with members of Congress on their recommendation: “A narrowly crafted compromise that includes permanent protections, absent of harsh restrictions or income criteria, for DACA and TPS recipients, and reasonable border security measures, would be an important achievement and a good faith start to future immigration reform discussions.”
Support for undocumented students at Georgetown
As a Catholic and Jesuit institution, Georgetown values the dignity of all members of the university community, regardless of immigration status, and has committed to supporting undocumented students and the unique challenges they may face. The university has held panel discussions and created immersion experiences designed to build better awareness of issues related to immigration, DACA, and TPS. Undocumented students with a Georgetown ID also receive free legal advice through Catholic Charities.
Putting Jesuit ideals into action at the border
During winter break, 14 Georgetown Law students, faculty, staff, and alumni spent five days in Dilley, Texas, helping migrants seeking asylum to prepare for their “credible fear” interviews and teaching them how to find pro bono attorneys. The trip was sponsored by two Georgetown alumni, then-U.S. Rep. and Georgetown Class of 1988 alumnus John Delaney (D-Md.) and April McClain-Delaney.
Arelis Palacios, associate director for undocumented student services within Georgetown University’s Center for Multicultural Equity and Access, said the trip “reaffirmed our commitment to support undocumented, immigrant and migrant communities through the auspices of our Jesuit and holistic educational values.”
Learn more about Georgetown’s support for undocumented students at undocumented.georgetown.edu.