President Hutchinson's Message on the the Revocation of DACA

Students protest White House actions regarding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program on September 1, 2017

To: Campus Community
From: President Gayle E. Hutchinson

It’s with a heavy heart that I write to you as a follow-up to my message last week regarding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. DACA has allowed eligible undocumented immigrants who entered the United States as children to receive protection from deportation, an ability to travel internationally, and the potential to obtain a work permit that must be renewed every two years.

The White House announced today its intention to rescind DACA, unless Congress acts to replace it within the next six months.

I encourage you to read CSU Chancellor Timothy White’s message from earlier today.

While the implications for our students will vary according to personal circumstances, including each family’s situation, I can fully understand and empathize with how this development can cause a real sense of uncertainty and vulnerability.

With that in mind, I believe it’s imperative to remind all of our campus community members that our undocumented students’ enrollment at the University, tuition, or financial aid are not impacted by the change. CSU enrollment and tuition policies are not based on DACA status and, therefore, are not impacted. AB 540 grants eligible students the right to attend college and apply for California Dream Act financial aid.

The state funding available under the California Dream Act will not change. For more information about financial aid programs, click here.

I also want to highlight the resources we have on campus to support our Chico community members who are undocumented or come from mixed-status families. Our Dream Student Support Team and Dream Center staff provide financial aid resources, health and wellness assistance, and academic guidance. The Center also provides tools for advocacy and trainings on issues regarding immigration. Any of our students, faculty, and staff are welcomed to contact center director Elizabeth Alaniz at ealaniz@csuchico.edu or 530-898-5818 with questions they may have and to learn how they can support our campus community members who are impacted by the federal government’s decision. The Cross-Cultural Leadership Center is another resource for students.

My heart goes out to the many young people and families in our country caught in this stressful situation in which they are seeking an education as a pathway to a productive career. This is no way to treat young people who are striving against many odds and barriers to become engaged members and future leaders of our communities.

I take solace in knowing that, here at Chico State, we are collectively committed to fulfilling our educational and public mission as a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning and working environment for all. Please join me in demonstrating that commitment to all who are affected by today’s White House decision. If you want to help our students, I encourage you to contact your members of Congress to push for a bi-partisan legislative solution to immigration reform and support for DACA.