Fordham: Call In Day to Support Dreamers

We Are Fordham
#Dreamers

Dear Members of the Fordham Family,

On Monday, February 26, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the Department of Justice’s appeal of a federal judge’s ruling that requires the government to maintain the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. DACA has allowed nearly 800,000 young people the opportunity to work and study without the threat of deportation. Under a lower court order that remains in effect, the Department of Homeland Security must continue to accept renewal applications from those who are currently enrolled in the program.

While the action represents a temporary victory for DACA recipients, it does not diminish the importance of continued advocacy for a legislative solution on behalf of our students. Fordham University has been steadfast in its support of the DACA program through our advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., and will continue to actively engage our elected representatives.

On Wednesday, February 28, Fordham is joining colleges and universities from across the country in a nationwide campaign to contact elected officials in support of the DREAM Act (Durbin-Graham). This legislation would allow these young people who grew up in the United States to continue to contribute to the country they love, and offer a pathway to citizenship.

Here’s how you can help on February 28:

Join your colleagues from around the nation by calling House Speaker Paul Ryan at 202-225-0600, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi at 202-225-4965, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell at 202-224-3135, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer at 202-224-6542 and urge the leaders to come together and take immediate action in support of the DREAM Act.

Take a moment and write your legislators in support of the DREAM Act and urge your friends and family to do likewise. In coordination with Fordham, the Ignatian Solidarity Network has developed an electronic message which will self-populate with your elected representative’s information based upon the constituent address provided at http://igsol.net/stand-dream.

Since 1841, Fordham University has embodied the immigrant experience. It was built by immigrants, and it has provided countless new Americans with the opportunity to earn an education. With your help, we can insist that those opportunities remain in place and affirm the highest promise of the American dream.

For more information regarding the University’s advocacy efforts, please contact the Office of Government Relations and Urban Affairs at GovernmentRelations@fordham.edu.

Lesley A. Massiah-Arthur
Associate Vice President
Government Relations and Urban Affairs
Fordham University