Arizona Board of Regents calls on Donald Trump to let Dreamers pursue college goals
Dec 9, 2016, 2:43 PM
President-elect Donald Trump speaks at a rally at Hy-Vee Hall, Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016, in Des Moines. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
PHOENIX — The board governing Arizona’s public universities is urging President-elect Donald Trump to allow Dreamers to seek an education.
In a letter to the president-elect, the Arizona Board of Regents reaffirmed its commitment to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) students — children who were brought to the United States illegally by their parents.
The letter urged Trump to work with Congress to accommodate DACA students within his overall approach to immigration enforcement and reform.
“We have students that we care about and it’s our job to be concerned about them and to love them, quite frankly, and to try to make sure that they’re able to work out their lives and go on to succeed,” Regent Jay Heiler said.
The letter to Trump also called the case for deportation of DACA recipients legally and practically weak.
“I also believe that [Trump] will read this letter,” Heiler said. “When he reads this letter, he’ll realize it makes sense as will his legal advisors.”
Because of a Maricopa County Superior Court decision last year, a DACA student who meets the necessary requirements can receive in-state tuition in Arizona. Those requirements include an Employment Authorization Document and meeting Arizona law residency requirements.
Both Arizona State University President Michael Crow and Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton have also urged Trump to support DACA students.
