Supporting Our DACA Students

September 5, 2017

To the Rutgers University–New Brunswick Community:

As Chancellor of Rutgers University–New Brunswick, let me reassure you of our commitment to our students and their families who are affected by President Trump's decision to eliminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program for undocumented immigrants. As you know, the Trump administration announced today that it will delay by six months the enforcement of this action, which now makes a timely solution by Congress crucial. The university is advocating for legislation from Congress that will ensure our undocumented students have a clear and safe path towards the future they seek in this country. 

I disagree strongly with President Trump's decision to eliminate DACA, which conflicts with our institution's commitment to fairness, equality, and justice for all people. What's more, this action strikes at the core of our land-grant mission, which in its essence is to fulfill the promise of a better life through a Rutgers education.

This is a time of great stress for those affected by this decision, and I want to reiterate a point from the joint statement that was issued by President Barchi and the four Rutgers chancellors: nothing has changed in regard to our students' relationship with Rutgers. We will continue to fulfill our commitment to them and to all our students, which is to do all we can to help them achieve success from admission through graduation, and beyond.

Rutgers–New Brunswick offers a range of information, resources, and professional legal advice and assistance for its undocumented students. Those services are coordinated through the Office of the Dean of Students, which can be reached at 848-932-2300 or by clicking here. Additionally, the university has created the Rutgers Immigrant Community Assistance Project (RICAP). RICAP is led by attorney Jason Hernandez and all currently enrolled Rutgers students are eligible for a free and confidential legal consultation with Jason. Jason will be working out of the Student Legal Services office in Tillet Hall on Thursday, September 7 and can be reached at jason.c.hernandez@rutgers.edu. I urge anyone affected by today's action to seek this support.

Again, I am committed to protecting and supporting all of our students in their academic endeavors, and you have my pledge that we will help fulfill the dreams of those who seek opportunity through education at Rutgers—regardless of their immigration status.

Sincerely,

Deba Dutta
Chancellor, Rutgers University–New Brunswick