October 7, 2022 – Supporting DACA Recipients and Our Undocumented Community

Dear Campus Community,

I am deeply troubled by this week’s Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision, which held that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program violates federal law. Though the court’s ruling does not affect renewals for current DACA recipients, first-time applications remain in limbo. I echo Interim Chancellor Koester’s statement that this ruling, “is detrimental to the future vitality of our communities, our state and, indeed, our nation.”

Since its implementation 10 years ago, DACA has protected hundreds of thousands of undocumented students in California and across the United States from deportation as they pursue their college degrees. Chico State’s DACA students and employees contribute to the diverse perspectives that are integral to our success as a University and we remain fully supportive of these vital and valued members of our campus community.

We remain committed to working with the CSU to advocate for permanent pathways to citizenship so undocumented Californians can pursue their academic and professional goals without fear of deportation.​ This court decision does not affect University admissions or enrollment policies.

Further, students who are eligible for the California Dream Act Application, or who currently receive state financial aid or the Chico State Wildcat Scholarship, will continue receiving aid and be eligible in the future. Chico State employees’ DACA work authorizations will remain in place barring future directives from the federal government.

If you have specific questions about student employment, financial aid, or other services, you can reach out to or visit the Chico State Dream Center, a confidential safe space on campus located at Meriam Library 162, or email dreamcenter@csuchico.edu. You may also access free immigration legal services through the CSU’s partnership with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights.

We will continue to monitor developments and share important updates with the campus community.

Sincerely,
Gayle E. Hutchinson