President Yam’s Response to DACA Decision from the White House

Yesterday we learned about the White House’s official decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or DACA program—a program that works to protect young undocumented immigrants from deportation who were brought into the U.S. as children. While no immediate action will be taken for six months, giving Congress the option of introducing legislation to replace the DACA program, we know these moves impact many of us in our Notre Dame community. Please know NDMU believes in the DACA program and our “Dreamers” and will work in supporting our students and those in the community who may be affected by this recent decision.

We will continue to keep you informed about resources concerning these changes in DACA and what this means for you. We are also planning a series of student discussions and open forums where we will have experts available to answer questions and offer guidance for steps moving forward.

Your educational experience is of utmost importance to us. We are driven to fulfill our mission, one that not only educates leaders to transform the world but also one that calls for us to build inclusive communities. At Notre Dame, you belong here and we support you.

If you, or someone you know is impacted by this announcement, I encourage you to review the Frequently Asked Questions on DACA Termination.

Please reach out to Kelly Hoover in the NDMU Office of Student Life if you have immediate questions or concerns at 410-532-3164 or khoover@ndm.edu.

Sincerely,

Marylou Yam

Note: Maryland's higher education segments recently issued a joint letter to Maryland's Congressional Delegation in support of DACA. Notre Dame supported this letter and joins in their collective advocacy on behalf of Maryland students. View a copy of one of the letters.