Published: Oct. 11, 2019

The University of Colorado system has signed an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to protect the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) immigration policy. 

CU is among 165 public and private universities and colleges from 32 states and the District of Columbia that united in support of DACA ahead of a Nov. 12 hearing, when justices will hear oral arguments on a series of consolidated cases and determine whether the administration’s Sept. 5, 2017, rescission of DACA was lawful. 

By some estimates, there are nearly 800,000 DACA recipients in the United States, and many are students on college campuses across the country. The executive immigration policy allows recipients to remain in the country to work and study until the government provides them with a permanent path to citizenship. 

The nation’s highest court is expected to issue a ruling on DACA in late June, but a decision could come as soon as early 2020. 

According to the amicus brief, coordinated by the nonpartisan Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, DACA recipients have “contributed immeasurably to their campuses through academic achievements and co-curricular activities.” 

The brief also argues that the rescission of DACA would “severely harm the life prospects of these students and alumni, adversely affect our nation’s higher education institutions, undermine the many years of investments that colleges and universities made to support DACA recipients, and sap our higher education communities of needed talent, diversity and leadership.” 

Last week, the Association of American Universities (AAU), the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) joined 40 other higher education associations in a separate amicus brief. 

CU Boulder Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano and other CU leaders believe it is time for nation’s high court and congressional leaders to take action on DACA.  

“Since its creation in 2012, thousands of young immigrants have been able to pursue their dreams on college campuses across the United States,” DiStefano said. “We are calling on our nation’s elected and appointed leaders to consider the plight of DACA beneficiaries and to give them the chance they need to become full citizens of the country that provided them with a home and opportunities to succeed in K-12 schools and higher education.” 

Click here for more information about CU Boulder support services for DACA registrants.