Grads to Be Program July DACA Decision Support Statement

Dear Campus Community, 

On July 16, 2021, a federal district court in Texas issued a decision that negatively impacts Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which provides work permits and protection from deportation for close to 640,000 DACA recipients in the U.S. We are deeply disappointed by this decision as new applications will no longer be accepted and DACA continues to be contested. 

Regardless of the court’s decision, the Grads to Be Program wants to communicate our continuing support for our undocumented students and their families. To the DACA students and staff affected by this decision, know that you are not alone and have the support from the Grads to Be Program at Fullerton College.  

Over the next few months, we will continue to support students by hosting virtual safe spaces for discussion, sharing up-to-date resources, and being available for individual appointments. We hope you all take this opportunity to become involved, to contribute, and advocate for undocumented students. For more information on how to get involved, contact the Grads to Be Program at Fullerton College via grads2be@fullcoll.edu. 

You can connect with the Grads to Be Program in the following ways: 

In community, 

Grads to Be Program and Cadena Cultural Center 

LEGISLATIVE OPPORTUNITIES IN 2021

The following are immigration bills that would provide permanent protections and create a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients, other immigrant youth, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, essential workers, and other undocumented individuals have been introduced in the House and Senate. Two of those bills passed the House in March 2021. The Senate must now act swiftly to pass a permanent legislative solution for these communities.  

  • Would provide a pathway to citizenship for roughly 3 million DACA recipients, other undocumented youth, TPS holders, DED holders, and children of certain nonimmigrant visa holders. 
  • Would provide a pathway to citizenship for approximately 1 million undocumented agricultural workers & their families.  
  • Would provide a pathway to citizenship for approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants with an expedited path for DACA Recipients, TPS holders, and agricultural workers. 
  • Would provide a pathway to citizenship for about 1.2 million DACA recipients and other undocumented youth. 
  • Would provide a pathway to citizenship for TPS holders.  
  • Would provide a pathway to citizenship for about 5.2 million essential workers plus their families.  

The Senate must immediately act to pass legislation that provides a pathway to citizenship for the undocumented community, including DACA recipients and other immigrant youth.  

RESOURCES

OC Resources:
The following organizations in Orange County are providing FREE legal representation on DACA applications to low-income CALIFORNIANS!
  • World Relief of Southern California – 13121 Brookhurst St. #G Garden Grove, CA 92843 – 714-210-4730
  • Catholic Charities of Orange County: 1800 East 17th Street, Santa Ana, CA 92705 – 714-347-9664
  • Public Law Center – 601 W Civic Center Drive, Santa Ana, CA 92705 – 714-541-1010

    Other Resources:

    CA Statewide Legal Services for Community College students: 

    Statewide legal services for North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD) 

    CHIRLA Representative of the Day: 

    If students would like general information, clarifications, case updates, or resources, students may log into the zoom link and have these matters answered by an attorney or a CHIRLA accredited representative. This service will be available to all students every Friday from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 

    Please share the following zoom link with your campus/students:  

    https://zoom.us/j/99531765011 

    DISCLAIMER

    The Grads to Be Program staff at Fullerton College are committed to supporting undocumented students and have a passion for social justice. We hope that the information provided by our team will give you a better understanding about certain policies and how they affect undocumented students and their families. However, this information is intended for informational purposes only and should NOT substitute legal advice from a licensed attorney.

    We have compiled information from different legal sources, however we encourage you to seek legal advice for your own case as each situation requires analysis from multiple  perspectives.

    Although we try to be as timely and accurate as possible, immigration laws are constantly evolving. A licensed attorney can determine if there have been any recent changes to immigration policies or laws that may affect you.

    The Grads to Be Program assumes no liability for the use or interpretation of information contained herein. The information is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Lastly, please be aware that the Grads to Be Program nor the use of legal information provided by the program creates an attorney-client relationship.