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Supporting Our Undocumented Students

September 5, 2017

Dear Students,

Loyola is a community committed to our students regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or immigration status—a central tenet of our Jesuit, Catholic mission. Today we were disappointed to learn that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has been rescinded. We are writing to first echo Dr. Rooney’s message of support. The University will continue to advocate for our undocumented students and will go to lengths to ensure they still have access to a Loyola education.

In extending this support, we are supplying you with information, resources, and guidelines that are available to the entire Loyola community.

Next Steps for Undocumented Students
DACA will be rescinded in a phased approach. As of September 5, 2017, no new applications for status will be accepted. Current DACA recipients will retain their protected status until their permit expires and may be eligible for renewal:

  • DACA recipients whose permits expire before March 5, 2018, will be permitted to apply for two-year renewals as long as they do so by October 5, 2017. We encourage students in this group to apply immediately.
  • Recipients whose permits expire after March 5, 2018, will not be able to apply for a two-year renewal. We encourage students in this group to carefully review the information under Campus Contacts on the Undocumented Student Resources page and to reach out to the appropriate person with any questions or concerns.

For more details and resources, please visit the Undocumented Student Resources page.

Campus Contacts
Faculty and staff are available on each of our campuses for undocumented student-related information and issues. If you have any concerns, reach out to them by phone or e-mail with your questions. The key contacts are:

Since 2012, Share the DREAM Undocumented Student Ally Trainings have been offered at Loyola. View a list of Loyola Committed Allies who have completed the training and identified themselves as allies to undocumented students. The listed students and faculty and staff members are situated across the University and prepared to provide support, resources, and referrals.

Privacy and Safety
The privacy and safety of our students are of utmost importance to us. The Illinois TRUST Act protects undocumented Illinois residents by preventing any Illinois law enforcement agencies or officials from detaining an individual based solely on an “immigration hold.” Under this act, local police also cannot stop, search, or arrest anyone based on their immigration or citizenship status. Loyola also adheres to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which protects the privacy of student education records.

Loyola’s Campus Safety is committed to protecting every person in our University community. The department is working closely with the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, Chicago Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies to protect all our students to the fullest extent of the law.

Know Your Rights
On Tuesday, September 12, Loyola’s Center for the Human Rights of Children and the National Immigration Justice Center are hosting a “Know Your Rights” presentation. Immigration attorneys will be present to answer questions about constitutional rights, legal services, and forms of immigration relief. Students can also find information regarding subpoenas and warrants on the Undocumented Student Resources page.

Civic Engagement
We encourage our students—and the entire Loyola community—to advocate for new legislation that will uphold the current protections of DACA. Please contact your U.S. Senators and Representatives and urge them to act in the next six months to preserve the program's protections.

We will keep you apprised of legislative action and any additional resources as the semester continues. Please know that upholding the dignity and safety of our students will always remain our top priority.

Sincerely,

 

John P. Pelissero, PhD
Provost and Chief Academic Officer

 

Margaret Faut Callahan,
CRNA, PhD, FNAP, FAAN
Provost, Health Sciences Campus