Note: This letter originally appeared as an email sent to the Hopkins community on July 21, 2021.
Dear Johns Hopkins Community:
We were disappointed by a federal judge’s ruling Friday that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, is unlawful. Thankfully, it does not immediately affect the status of current enrollees in the program, and it does not require the federal government to deport hundreds of thousands of undocumented young people who were brought to the United States as children. But it does underscore the tenuous nature of their protections.
The Biden administration has indicated that it will appeal this ruling, but a legislative solution is urgently needed. As President Daniels and university leadership have shared previously, Johns Hopkins University has long supported legislative proposals that would allow all students who grow up in the United States to attend college and contribute to this nation to their fullest potential, and our university continues to believe in a need for Congress to provide a clear pathway for these students and their families.
We know that the uncertain future of DACA creates anxiety, and we offer our assurance that we will continue to support individuals who are affected by the program at Johns Hopkins to the greatest extent possible. The university will not provide information about the immigration status of members of our community unless required by law. Our safety and security officers do not and will not request information regarding citizenship, nor will they enforce federal immigration laws without a specific court order; and we will not permit law enforcement or other officials to access private spaces on our campuses to enforce immigration laws absent a valid warrant or court order.
Students with questions related to DACA may contact the Office of International Services or the Office of Multicultural Affairs. Additionally, anyone requiring counseling or other personal support may go to the Wellness website to find resources for students or access the mySupport Program for faculty and staff.
Undocumented individuals form a vital part of our community, and we will continue to work to ensure they can pursue their educations, careers, and lives at Johns Hopkins, in our Baltimore community, and across the nation.
Sincerely,
Sunil Kumar
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Kevin Shollenberger
Vice Provost for Student Health and Well-Being