June 19, 2020
To: Members of the University Community
From: Ka Yee C. Lee, Provost
Subject: Update on DACA Program
Date: June 19, 2020
The University of Chicago welcomes this week’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that has the effect of preserving the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
Uncertainty over the program’s future has brought concern to many members of the University community, and this ruling is an important development. University of Chicago students who qualify for DACA are among the most talented students in the world. We will continue to support members of our community with an undocumented immigration status and those who qualify for relief under DACA, and remain committed to ensuring that members of the campus community can participate fully in University programs and activities. The University will also continue to identify ways to ensure that individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds can benefit from, and contribute to, our intellectual community.
There are several resources to help ensure that undocumented members of the University community are welcomed here and can fully take part in campus life. The input of undocumented people and their advocates on campus has been critical in the development of these resources. These resources and services include:
- Know Your Rights workshops for students, including those who are new to campus, employees, and their families. Upcoming sessions will be posted here.
- Free immigration-related legal screenings with attorneys from Chicago law firms; these sessions typically are available immediately following Know Your Rights workshops.
- A website dedicated to undocumented students.
- Emergency financial assistance (Graduate students should contact Ireri Rivas at 773-702-2435 and mirivas@uchicago.edu for information. Undergraduate students should contact Devon Moore at 773-702-4537 and devonmoore@uchicago.edu).
- Free individual and group counseling services tailored to the needs of undocumented students – contact Student Support Services at 773-702-2435 or the Center for College Student Success at 773-702-4537 for full details.
The University encourages students to contact their area dean or students or any of our key support offices for assistance -- Student Support Services (SSS), Center for College Student Success (CCSS), Office of International Affairs, Student Health and Counseling Services, and Dean-on-Call.
Thank you to all of those who continue to advocate for undocumented members of our community.