Saint Xavier University President Laurie M. Joyner, Ph.D., issues DACA statement
President Trump has stated that he will make an announcement today concerning the future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. News reports indicate that President Trump will put into motion a plan to end the DACA within six months. Saint Xavier University and the Sisters of Mercy have taken a stand against the termination of these programs, and the University will do all we can to support those impacted by today's announcement. Please know that DACA students, like all of our students, are important and valued members of our campus community.
Fortunately, the six-month time period will give Congress an opportunity to create legislation designed to maintain DACA. Already, House and Senate leaders on both sides of the aisle have spoken out in support of DACA and against any decision by the President to terminate the programs. The Sisters of Mercy website has a link to a letter in support of DACA that you can send to your elected representatives.
As a University, we will continue to follow this issue very carefully. The staff in Student Affairs, Campus Ministry, and University Mission and Ministry as well as many individual faculty and staff are available to support and assist you in finding needed resources and answers to your questions.
A recent letter to President Trump by United We Dream, Faith in Public Life, Religious Action Center and CWS stated:
"DACA has allowed the courageous young people known as DREAMers to build a brighter future for our nation. They are mothers, fathers, teachers, nurses, lawyers, scientists and leaders of a new generation of Americans. The repeal of DACA would end the American dreams of thousands of immigrant youth who worship in our pews, study in our schools and work in our communities — and it would devastate their families. Made in the image and likeness of our Creator, DREAMers and their families are inextricably woven into the fabric of our nation and play an invaluable role in our society. Terminating DACA is wrong and cruel."
We are a nation built on the talents and gifts of the many immigrants that have come to our shores. Our core values of respect, excellence, compassion, service, hospitality, integrity, diversity and lifelong learning call us to stand as a united community in support of undocumented and DACA students.
Dr. Laurie M. Joyner
President