UPCEA joined with HACU (Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities) and ACE (American Council on Education) along with other organizations to retain protections for those who are part of the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program until longer term solutions can be put into place. The letters call for the program to be retained and note the impact on our universities and society at large. These individuals had to have come to the country before the age of 16, be in, or have completed, high school or a GED, or be an honorably discharged veteran of the military. These bright and talented young people are working, serving in the armed services or studying at colleges and universities. Because they now have work permits, they are making contributions to our society and our economy. They are paying taxes and buying cars, homes, and consumer goods, which generates economic activity and increases tax revenue for federal, state and local governments. While they contribute significantly to our economy, they are ineligible for federal means-tested welfare benefits, Pell Grants and federal student loans, and health care tax subsidies. According to a recent study by the CATO Institute, deporting those currently in DACA would cost over $60 billion in lost tax revenue and result in a $280 billion reduction in economic growth over the next decade.

DACA protects over 800,000 individuals who have registered with the program. The Trump Administration has signaled in recent weeks that they may be taking some action on DACA in the coming weeks.

Read our letter with HACU to President Trump.

Read our letter with ACE to President Trump.