University President Fr. John Jenkins commented in a press release Thursday on the failure of the United States Senate to advance immigration legislation that would have resolved the legal limbo surrounding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) protections for undocumented immigrants brought to the country as children. This group, known as “Dreamers” faces uncertainty as an early March deadline for resolving their status fast approaches with no solution in sight.
“I am deeply disappointed that the Senate failed to pass a bipartisan immigration bill that would have, at long last, protected Dreamers,” Jenkins said in the press release. “These young women and men have done nothing wrong and have known life only in the United States.”
Jenkins expressed particular concern for the Dreamers at the University.
“The Dreamers who are enrolled at Notre Dame are also poised to make lasting contributions to the United States,” he said in the statement.
In the statement, Jenkins expressed hope for a legislative solution and emphasized that Notre Dame will continue to support its Dreamer population.
“We pray that our leaders will end the cruel uncertainty for these talented and dedicated young people who have so much to offer our nation,” he said. “Regardless, Notre Dame will continue to support them financially, maintain their enrollment, provide expert legal assistance should that become necessary and do everything it can to support them.”
