Dreamers Welcome and Wanted at The Beach
Dear Campus Community,
Many of you know of the federal program called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA). The policy has allowed eligible undocumented immigrants who entered the United States as children to receive protection from deportation, an ability to travel internationally, and the potential to obtain a work permit that must be renewed every two years.
Today, United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced President Trump’s decision to rescind DACA, requesting the Department of Homeland Security to begin to “wind down” the policy. His action means that the members of The Beach community who hold DACA status could soon lose the rights described above, and so face difficulties and uncertainty about their futures in the U.S. My heart goes out to these individuals and their families. As we learn more about this “wind down” process, we will share those details with you.
It is important to note this process provides us a chance to communicate with our Congressional leaders to implore them to act swiftly to ensure our Dreamers’ security. Our undocumented community members, including DACA and AB540, are part of the Beach family and are welcome and wanted. Each is cherished and vital to our campus community.
Because of this current uncertainty, I want to assure all members of our undocumented community that we have campus services available to you. A first stop should be our Dreamers Success Center at USU 309, www.csulb.edu/dream. There, you can be referred for counseling, food and housing support, and other services. The Division of Student Affairs and our Human Resources Department have a number of other areas where support and services are available.
I also want to reduce any confusion that may result from this announcement. Long Beach State University is committed to every student who has met our rigorous standards for admission and retention; and we value every employee. Know that this announcement will not affect the AB540 status that the state of California has provided. Students currently eligible for AB540 will continue to be eligible for in-state tuition and the financial support for which they are qualified.
In addition, Long Beach State University’s General Order 55 provides clear guidance to campus police officers. Our officers will not cooperate with ICE, and they will not inquire about or detain persons solely based on their immigration status.
The change in national policy is disheartening. When signing up for DACA our students and colleagues believed the information they provided to the federal government would afford them an opportunity to work and learn free from fear of deportation.
DACA has enabled our students to become even more productive and contributing members of our region. This new policy breaches a trust between California’s younger generation and the United States government. This breach is not good for California. The loss of economic power and faith could take generations to rebuild.
For more information, please use these links:
Human Resources – To have your questions answered confidentially, please call 562-985-1741.
CSU Systemwide Communication and Guidance
We are ONE Beach,
