THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY

CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY COLLEGES

November 29, 2016
President-Elect Donald J. Trump
Trump Tower
725 5th Avenue
New York, New York 10022
Dear President-Elect Trump:
College and university leaders across the country, and here in California, are
concerned about reports regarding potential actions you might be considering,
including ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. On
behalf of DACA students currently pursuing their dream of higher education in the
United States, we urge you to continue this important program and allow these
young people to continue to pursue a college education and contribute to their
communities and the nation.
DACA is rooted in the fundamental premise that no one should be punished for the
actions of others. In order to be eligible for DACA, an individual must have been
brought to this country as a minor, stayed out of trouble, and continued to pursue
an education. These sons and daughters of undocumented immigrants are as
American as any other child across the nation, in all but in the letter of the law.
Some never even spoke the language of their native land. They do not represent a
public safety threat. In fact, they represent some of the best our nation has to offer.
They voluntarily came forward, out of the shadows, to participate in the DACA
program.
The University of California, California State University, and the California
Community College systems each have thousands of DACA students studying at
our institutions. They are constructive and contributing members of our
communities. They should be able to pursue their dream of higher education
without fear of being arrested, deported, or rounded up for just trying to learn.
There will be time for a vigorous debate and dialogue around immigration reform in
the days ahead, and we look forward to engaging with you in a healthy and
constructive conversation on this important issue. But now, as you continue to

 President-Elect Donald J. Trump
November 29, 2016
build your new Administration and appoint members of your Cabinet, on behalf of
these Dreamers, we implore you to let them know they are valued members of our
communities and that they will be allowed to continue to pursue the American
dream.
Yours very truly,

Janet Napolitano
Timothy P. White
Eloy Ortiz Oakley
President
Chancellor
Chancellor-Designate
University of California California State University California Community Colleges