The recent decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, unless Congress takes action within six months, has increased the uncertainty surrounding students that are enrolled at UCA and other universities in Arkansas and throughout the country. All of this sheds light on the fact that executive action for or against the interests of these students does nothing to bring clarity to their legal status. Congress ultimately has to take action in order to find a permanent and legislative solution.
We are committed at UCA to supporting our students impacted by DACA and will assist them as far as the law allows. These young women and men make a tremendous impact in our communities and on our economies. A recent Cato Institute report found that an immediate dissolution of DACA would have a $60 billion negative impact to the federal government, a $280 billion reduction in economic growth over the next decade, and would do little to address real concerns regarding unauthorized immigration. The women and men that fall under DACA are working in our communities, attending our universities, and serving in our armed forces. We are proud of the contribution that they make to our American tapestry. As we attempt to reach out to any of our UCA family that are impacted by these latest DACA developments, we want them to know that they are valuable members of our university community and represent the great spirit of our nation. As a nation of immigrants, we know that these students’ energy, creativity, innovation, and work ethic will fuel the American century to come.
