NASPA Statement on DAPA Rescission

NASPA reaffirms our support for undocumented students, and colleagues in light of last night’s decision by the Department of Homeland Security to rescind the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA). While the DAPA program was never enacted due to legal challenges from several states that ended with a deadlocked decision from the Supreme Court last summer, the removal of the policy by DHS with no indication of other methods to grant protections to parents of U.S. Citizens is disheartening.

While we applaud the Department’s continued support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, especially on the 5th anniversary of the program, the continued uncertainty felt by undocumented students, faculty, and staff on our nation’s campuses calls for more permanent action to secure their rights and future. The rescission of DAPA fuels a growing stigma around deserving and undeserving members of the undocumented community both on and off-campus. NASPA is dedicated to the health and well-being of the entire community, which includes the families of students, faculty, and staff, and recognizes the many conflicting and intersecting barriers that exist for this population. The decision to rescind DAPA only adds to the fear and uncertainty felt by immigrant families, including the many DACA recipients who worry daily whether their families and loved ones will be deported. NASPA will continue to support the efforts of student affairs professionals to create inclusive spaces and resources for undocumented members of the campus community along with the policies which enforce these efforts as indicated in the NASPA Public Policy Agenda.  

As noted in our statement on January 30, we continue to monitor and respond to policy conversations at both the federal and state level as well as to work with our members and campuses, many of whom are already engaged directly in work to protect our students. The following resources are available to assist our members and campuses as we engage in conversations and continue to advocate for our communities:

• Blog posts from the NASPA Research and Policy Institute Policy and Advocacy Team on Post 100 Days: Immigration Policy Update and Sanctuary? The status of campus protections for immigrants and undocumented individuals
• The American Council on Education (ACE) coalition letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in support of foreign students and scholars. NASPA is a signatory to this letter along with other higher education associations.

Earlier this spring, the NASPA Research and Policy Team provided a online briefing focused on DACA. We were pleased to collaborate with the Undocumented Immigrants and Allies Knowledge Community to answer several follow-up questions. The document has several resources that our members may find useful.

As we have shared in the past, NASPA’s commitment does not start and end with this statement, or any future statement and advocacy efforts. We will always provide an inclusive space where you can learn, connect with each other, and practice self-care during these trying times.