News & Messages

Message from University leadership on DACA

Dear Campus Community:

We are deeply disappointed and saddened by President Trump’s decision regarding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This change in federal policy is contrary to our own and Carolina’s heartfelt commitment to all members of our community, and it opens questions and concerns for students, their families, friends and others. While we are uncertain about the effects of yesterday’s decision, we remain fully committed to welcoming and supporting students enrolled in this program.

The issue of DACA now shifts to Congress, and that is where our energy to support Dreamers should be directed. Chancellor Folt yesterday joined leaders from other universities by signing the Association of American Universities (AAU) letter to Congress to enact a permanent legislative solution supporting undocumented students. We support and encourage Congress to enact legislation to provide undocumented students with security to complete their studies now, and an eventual path for citizenship. Here are the links to letters by both the AAU and the APLU. We share the belief of colleagues at universities across the nation that these young people, with their hard work and capacity to make a difference, exemplify the bedrock of the American dream.

We will always support all of our students. A student’s immigration status is protected under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Moreover, our UNC police department does not gather information about citizenship or immigration status, and only makes inquiries about individuals who are the subject of a felony criminal investigation. Many offices provide resources for students, among them Student Affairs, UNC Global and Diversity & Inclusion. For legal assistance, including immigration questions, students can contact Carolina Student Legal Services for referrals to other attorneys with expertise in immigration matters. Students who have questions about immigration regulations and related options also may contact International Student and Scholar Services, and students can receive support through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) in Campus Health Services or the Office of the Dean of Students.

We will be working closely with UNC General Administration and others to more fully understand yesterday’s announcement by the President and will keep you updated. In the meantime, we will continue doing all we can to uphold our core values and support our campus community.

Sincerely,

Carol L. Folt
Chancellor

James W. Dean Jr.
Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost

Rumay Alexander
Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Diversity Officer

Ronald P. Strauss
Executive Vice Provost and Chief International Officer