Support for Undocumented Community at UCI

Dear colleagues,

On November 12, 2019, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments regarding the future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy. The University of California is supporting this effort. The Court is expected to issue a decision by June 2020 and the lives of hundreds of thousands of undocumented individuals may be impacted.

As the Supreme Court hearing approaches, we expect heightened attention related to undocumented individuals and issues. In anticipation, we would like to reiterate important principles of support for undocumented members of the UCI community.

The University of California and UC Irvine welcome and support students without regard to their immigration status or whether or not they have DACA. Admissions decisions, access to support services, and full participation in the UCI community cannot be based on a student’s race, color, national origin, religion, citizenship or other protected characteristic. To do otherwise would be a violation of the university’s values and policies as well as a violation of state law.

During this time, there may be anxiety and uncertainty for students impacted by immigration. Please equip yourself with accurate and up to date information. If a student chooses to disclose that they are impacted by an immigration related situation, please refer them to the appropriate university resources. A listening ear, a reassuring reminder of UC support, and a warm referral to an expert resource can make a huge difference.

RESOURCES

• For resources and guidance on any issue connected to undocumented students at UCI, please contact the UCI DREAM Center.
• For tips on how to best support students in the classroom, please see the Office of Inclusive Excellence publication, Promoting Equity, Encouraging Success. You can also see OIE’s compilation of system wide resources here.
• UCOP has released an FAQ related to the Supreme Court case, which can be found here.

If you are interested in learning more about the current state of DACA, please stop by an informational booth sponsored by the DREAM Center on Wednesday, October 30 from 12-2 p.m. on Ring Road, in front of the Social Science Tower.

Expect equity, support diversity, practice inclusion, and honor free speech.

Douglas M. Haynes
Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Office of Inclusive Excellence | inclusion.uci.edu
Director, ADVANCE Program | inclusion.uci.edu/advance
Professor of History | www.humanities.uci.edu/history