Support for Students, Faculty, and StaffPrinceton University is committed to doing all it can to support students, faculty, and staff who will feel the impact of the recently announced rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. In the words of President Christopher L. Eisgruber:“DACA is a wise and humane policy that has benefited this country in multiple ways. It has allowed talented and motivated students, who came to this country as a result of decisions by their parents, to pursue their educations, develop their talents, and contribute positively to our communities and our country. These young people deserve the opportunity not only to remain in this country, which for many is the only home they have known, but to be reassured that their devotion to this country is welcomed and valued.” The University has urged, and will continue to urge, Congress to act quickly to give these individuals the protections and peace of mind that DACA provided, as well as a path to permanent residence and citizenship. Princeton will do all it can to support undocumented and DACA students to the maximum extent that the law allows, and will also provide appropriate support for DACA faculty and staff. We have policies already in place to protect the privacy and safety of our students, as well as every member of the University community. For example:We do not disclose private information about our students, faculty, or staff to law enforcement officers unless we are presented with a valid, lawful subpoena or comparably binding requirement. An administrative working group coordinated by the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity is actively reviewing this policy and other policies and practices to ensure that they fully protect all of our students, faculty, and staff, including our DACA students. These frequently asked questions (FAQs) include information about a range of issues, including privacy, admissions, financial aid, taxes, travel, and advocacy. They include a list of campus resources for DACA and undocumented students. More detailed information is available from the responsible offices. The Davis International Center maintains a comprehensive list of information and guidance related to the recent DHS rescission memo of Sept. 5, 2017. At this time, Princeton is taking these additional steps to support DACA students, faculty, and staff:Legal Support: The University is funding attorney consultations for DACA students, faculty, and staff with an immigration law firm. Students, faculty, and staff can consult the firm on general matters related to their immigration status as well as for assistance filing DACA renewal applications, if needed. To the extent their initial consultations with counsel suggest that they have avenues for gaining permanent residency or other adjustment of their immigration status, the University will also provide legal support for their efforts to obtain such adjustment. DACA students who are interested in a referral should email Albert Rivera, Director of the Davis Center, at [email protected] as soon as possible. To apply for legal support, any DACA faculty member, postdoctoral fellow, or other academic professional should contact Karen Haskin, Associate Dean of the Faculty, Office of the Dean of the Faculty ([email protected]) 609-258-5113, and any DACA staff member should contact Romy Riddick, Vice President, Office of Human Resources ([email protected]) 609-258-6674.Payment of DACA Renewal Filing Fees: The University will fund the cost of DACA renewal filing fees for undergraduate students through the Undergraduate Financial Aid Office. Students who file a DACA renewal application should contact Ben Eley, Associate Director of Undergraduate Financial Aid, at [email protected] to make arrangements for a DACA filing fee grant.Financial Support in the Event of a Change in Employment Authorization: The Undergraduate Financial Aid Office will re-evaluate financial aid awards if any changes in DACA employment authorization affect students’ on-campus or summer employment income contributions. Graduate students should contact Lisa Schreyer, Deputy Dean of the Graduate School ([email protected]) 609-258-9243. Informational Dinners: The Scholars Institute Fellows Program (SIFP) and the Davis International Center are collaborating with the Princeton Dream Team student organization to host dinner programs for DACA/undocumented members of the University community throughout the fall semester. Programs will cover a variety of topics designed to address the concerns of this community and their families.Individualized Support: Residential College Deans, Directors of Student Life, and staff members at Counseling and Psychological Services are available to provide individualized support to DACA students. Additional campus resources are included in the DACA FAQs.Advocacy for DACA: The University advocated for the continuation of the DACA program, and is currently advocating for legislation that would provide both immediate and long-term protection for DACA and DACA-eligible students, including a path to permanent residence and citizenship. President Eisgruber has written to Congress and the White House, and has signed a letter to Congress sent by the Association of American Universities. Since the rescission of DACA on September 5, 2017, a lawsuit to preserve DACA was filed in federal court by Princeton University, Microsoft, and a Princeton DACA student. The presidents of Princeton and Microsoft have also written to members of Congress urging quick action to protect Dreamers.This site will be updated as additional information becomes available. Any students who would like guidance on where to address their questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Felicia Edwards at [email protected] in the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.
