Chancellor’s Message on President Trump's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA)

September 5, 2017

Dear Faculty, Students and Staff:

In light of President Trump’s decision today to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program or DACA, which provides deportation relief for undocumented immigrants who came to this country as children, I want to reassure our entire campus community that my administration and I will do everything within our power to provide the support necessary for our most vulnerable students to pursue their educational advancement.

We will work closely with our UMass system immigration counsel to ensure that the interests of our students are represented and will advocate with lawmakers at the federal and state levels to explore a possible legislative path forward. Student Legal Services also stands at the ready to assist students in need.

At this time, I also want to remind those who wish to provide relief for members of our community that we have established an “Angel Fund” to help meet the legal, academic, housing, living and counseling needs of individuals who are adversely affected by changes in federal immigration policy. Donations to the fund can be made here.

We remain deeply committed to ensuring a safe and welcoming living-learning environment for all of our students and will continue to serve our entire campus community in a way that respects the human dignity of every individual.

Sincerely,

Kumble Subbaswamy
Chancellor