U.S. President Donald Trump moved Tuesday to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy. This program, enacted by former U.S. President Barack Obama, protects the children of undocumented immigrants from deportation.
Trump announced that the program will begin to be phased out in six months unless Congress passes replacement legislation. Meanwhile, the fate of those affected remains in limbo.
The Editorial Board condemns Trump for moving to end DACA. His decision means that come March, nearly 800,000 young adults who were brought to the United States illegally as children will be at risk for deportation.
University President Ronald J. Daniels and Provost Sunil Kumar sent an email to the student body rebuking Trump’s decision and offering continued support to Hopkins students who are directly affected.
Hopkins has been a longtime supporter of the DREAM Act, which provides ways for children illegally brought to America to enroll in colleges across the country by giving them legal residency.
Additionally, the email pledges that the University will provide emergency financial and legal support so DREAMers can continue their education here.
In an effort to protect students, faculty and staff, the email stated that Hopkins will not provide the immigration status of members of our community unless served with a legal warrant. This commitment pushes Hopkins closer to becoming a sanctuary campus.
The Editorial Board commends Daniels and Kumar for their swift response to Trump’s decision, and also applauds their support for members of our community who will be affected by the potential end of DACA.
The Editorial Board recognizes that these DREAMers could be our classmates, roommates or friends and any threat to them, undermines our community. We believe that all students have a right to live, study and thrive here.
Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The News-Letter.