President Trump’s ending of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has created tremendous uncertainty and anxiety on community college campuses. Congress now must assume responsibility for ensuring that thousands of DACA-covered students attending community college can continue their studies without fear of deportation or other disruptions.
For many DACA recipients, the U.S. has been the only place they have ever called home. The DACA work authorization has allowed recipients to make enormous economic, social, and civic contributions; many serve the country in the U.S. military and other critical roles. DACA qualifying requirements are stringent and function to reward responsible behavior.
AACC Position:
Congress should take immediate concrete steps to protect the nearly 800,000 DACA enrollees and support the Dream Act or similar legislation.