DREAMers and UndocuALLY

Foothill-De Anza Statement on DACA Ruling

This message was sent on behalf of Foothill-De Anza Community College District Chancellor Judy Miner, De Anza College President Lloyd Holmes and Foothill College Interim President Bernadine Chuck Fong

Oct. 6, 2022

Dear Colleagues,

We are sickened by the decision released last night by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit affirming a lower court’s ruling that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is illegal, but we want to reassure our current and potential undocumented and DACA students that this decision does not change their ability to enroll and stay enrolled in our colleges.

Because the Fifth Circuit court stayed its ruling, for the time being, those with DACA are able to keep and renew their status, but no new applications may be accepted. Please urge DACA recipients to apply for renewal as quickly as possible. For those seeking advice and resources, helpful sites include the following: 

• https://findyourally.com/ - Free immigration legal services and case support for students, staff, and faculty on California community college campuses statewide or virtually  
• https://foothill.edu/dreamers/ - Foothill College Dreamers and UndocuAlly resources 
• https://www.deanza.edu/students/undocumented.html - De Anza College resources for undocumented students
• https://www.deanza.edu/hefas/ - De Anza College Higher Education for AB 540 students 

This morning, California Community Colleges Interim Chancellor Daisy Gonzales, Ph.D., University of California President Michael V. Drake, M.D., and California State University Interim Chancellor Jolene Koester, Ph.D. released the following joint statement: 

“We are deeply troubled by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision, which holds that the DACA program violates federal law. We support the decision to allow current DACA recipients to avoid immediate disruption to their lives and also to seek extensions of their DACA status. Even as we hope that this decision is overturned, the uncertainty it creates is untenable. DACA recipients deserve to have their status as equal Americans protected from court decisions like this one.

"We remain fully committed to working with California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta and our students, faculty, and staff to advocate for permanent pathways to citizenship so undocumented Californians can pursue their academic and professional goals without fear of deportation.

"Since its implementation 10 years ago, DACA has protected thousands of undocumented students in California and hundreds of thousands across the United States from deportation as they pursue their college degrees. Today, recipients are first responders, medical professionals, educators, scientists, and serve in a host of other critical professions. They have made and continue to make positive contributions to our local, state, and federal economies and communities.

"We stand by our students, faculty, and staff. They are vital and valued members of our campus communities. Our systems are dedicated to the continued success of all our undocumented students, many of whom do not participate in DACA.

"Undocumented and DACA students can enroll and stay enrolled in California’s public colleges and universities. The decision of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals does not change our mission to welcome and serve all students. This is what we have always done, and we will not waver. We will continue to do all we can to ensure our undocumented students feel safe and supported on our campuses.”

The Foothill-De Anza Community College District stands with Interim Chancellor Gonzales, President Drake, Interim Chancellor Koester and leaders of colleges and universities throughout the nation who are appalled at this decision.

The college and district leadership teams will continue to advocate for Congress to act to protect our students and develop a pathway to citizenship. We are grateful to the Board of Trustees for the September 12, 2022, resolution recognizing October 17-21, 2022, as Undocumented Student Action Week and voicing unwavering support of undocumented students. We hope you will join our trustees and the colleges in supporting undocumented students and their families before, during, and after Undocumented Student Action Week. 

We remain committed to our district mission, which includes “an equity agenda guided by core values of excellence, inclusion, and sustainability.” Please let our students know that they are welcome, valued, and appreciated. 

In solidarity,

Judy C. Miner, Ed.D.
Chancellor

Lloyd A. Holmes, Ph.D.
President, De Anza College

Bernadine Chuck Fong, Ph.D.
Interim President, Foothill College