University of Maryland Statement on Amicus Brief in Support of DACA Brief — November 9, 2017

The University of Maryland has joined 49 peer institutions to support a legal challenge to rescinding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Last week in federal court, UMD filed an amicus brief in the case of The Regents of the University of California and Janet Napolitano v. The United States Department of Homeland Security and Elaine Duke, which argues that rescinding the legal protections for DACA students is illegal and unconstitutional.

“The sacrifices these students and their families have had to make simply to enroll as students at our institutions are legion, and their commitment to bettering themselves and getting the most out of their education is unwavering,” wrote the signatories in the brief. “These extraordinary young people should be cherished and celebrated, so that they can achieve their dreams and contribute to the fullest for our country. Banishing them once more to immigration limbo—a predicament they had no part in creating—is not merely cruel, but irrational.”

The university will continue to identify avenues for offering support to our DACA students and to advocate for a restoration of their legal protections.