UMBC Supports the Bipartisan Dream Act

Dear UMBC Community,

Last week, a Federal District Court in Texas issued a ruling on litigation challenging the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The Court ruled that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security violated the Administrative Procedure Act in establishing and continuing DACA and held that the Biden Administration must freeze the acceptance of new DACA requests. While the Administration does still have the ability to process renewal requests, we are understandably concerned about this ruling and its impact on our students.

To advocate for the safety and financial security of our students, I am joining University System of Maryland Chancellor Jay Perman and more than 200 presidents and chancellors from across the nation in signing a letter to U.S. Senate leadership urging them to pass the bipartisan Dream Act of 2021. This legislation would provide “dreamers, their families, and the employers who depend on them much-needed certainty following years of legal limbo.” This legislation is aligned with our UMBC community value of inclusion, and we will continue to do whatever we can to support our determined students who study under DACA. We are hopeful that we will be able to welcome more of these impressive students into our community with the support of this new Dream Act. 

Students who are affected by this news, or who are looking for community and support, can contact Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion and Belonging (i3b) and their Retriever Immigrants United discussion group. Students who need support and assistance with their DACA application and related processes can contact the Center for Global Engagement. The Counseling Center is also available to serve students in need of emotional support. Please call (410) 455-2472 on weekdays or the after-hour support line at (410) 455-3230. 

President Freeman Hrabowski