While President Trump’s decision this week to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is extremely disheartening, I assure you that St. Joseph’s College remains devoted to protecting and providing access to education for every member of our College community.
The DACA program established by President Obama in 2012 provided nearly 800,000 young immigrants – many of whom came to this country as young children – a reprieve from deportation and the opportunity to work legally in the United States. Among them are current and future teachers, nurses, doctors, attorneys, business owners and community leaders.
It is unfathomable to deny such opportunity to young individuals so intent on improving themselves and the world around them, and it is impractical to forego the talents of this extraordinary group.
Rooted in the Catholic tradition, St. Joseph’s College stands faithful to the message carried by the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph, which professes all-inclusive love. We stand with hundreds of other universities in urging Congress to behave morally and put the protections of DACA into law, so that our students can continue their pursuit of the American dream and contribute to our nation’s intellectual, spiritual and economic growth.
St. Joseph’s College concurs with the message contained in a letter from the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities to President Trump’s Chief of Staff General John Kelly regarding DACA. The letter urged, “It is a moral and policy failure when our government targets children and young adults who simply aspire to live the American dream. Breaking up families and communities undermines the best values of our nation.”
To our students affected by DACA, I pledge to use our resources and do everything we possibly can to help you succeed in your pursuit of an education and eventual citizenship.
I encourage those impacted by this action to utilize the support services available at St. Joseph’s College. They are listed below. I urge the entire St. Joseph’s community – students, faculty, staff and alumni – to get engaged on this issue and on other immigration matters.
Sincerely,
Donald R. Boomgaarden
President
SJC Brooklyn Resources
Counseling and Wellness Center
Tuohy Hall, Room 215
718.940.5853 or 718.940.5851/5734
Office of Campus Ministry
Susan Wilcox, C.S.J.
Rev. Michael Lynch
718.783.7475
The Center for Student Involvement, Leadership and Multicultural Programming
For questions regarding immigration and/or visa requirements for international students, contact Kean Hawker at khawker@sjny.edu or 718.940.5856.
SJC Long Island Resources
Counseling and Wellness Center
319 West Roe Boulevard
631.687.1262/4588
Office of Campus Ministry
O’Connor Hall, Student Hospitality Lounge Room 4
Cristian Murphy, Director
631.687.1467
cmurphy3@sjny.edu
The Center for Student Involvement, Leadership and Multicultural Programming
For questions regarding immigration and/or visa requirements for international students, contact Kean Hawker at khawker@sjny.edu or 718.940.5856.
