Resources for Educators

This page provides additional resources for educators who work with or support undocumented students through their education at Pacific University. 

In March 2017, the State Board of Education approved a resolution reaffirming its stance that Oregon schools should be safe and welcoming for all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status or documentation status, and asked school districts to urgently consider six specific actions.

Following the rescinding of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in September 2017, the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) ODE, in collaboration with legislators, other state agencies, culturally-specific community based organizations, and other partners, developed a DACAmented/Undocumented Toolkit to help district and school personnel create, maintain, and nurture an equitable, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all students, families, and employees in Oregon’s schools. (source: Oregon.gov)

 

In this section:

 

What is DACA?

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) was an executive action taken by President Barack Obama that allowed undocumented immigrants who came to the US under the age of 16 to apply for protection from deportation. After a background check, those individuals were able to get renewable two-year permits to work and study in the US. Since it went into effect in 2012, roughly 800,000 people were protected by the program, and roughly 700,000 had active DACA protections in September 2017, when the Trump administration announced its end.

To be eligible, applicants had to:

  • Be under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
  • Arrive in the US before their 16th birthday;
  • Live continuously in the US from June 15th 2007 and at time of applying;
  • Be physically present in the US on June 15, 2017 and at time of applying; 
  • Come to the US without documents before June 15th, 2012 or before lawful status expired as of June 15, 2012; 
  • Be currently studying, or graduated from high school or earned a certificate of completion of high school or GED, or were honorably discharged from the Coast Guard or military (technical and trade school completion also qualified); and
  • Not have any criminal offenses ​​

What DACA is not?

DACA is NOT a pathway to Citizenship, as it was only a temporary solution. Advocates argue that this temporary fix is NOT enough and advocate for a longer term solution. DACA was not meant to be a permanent policy, nor does it provide a pathway to Permanent Residency.

Who are DACA recipients?

The immigrant community in Oregon is diverse with approximately 11,000 students in Oregon who are DACA recipients. These students’ families immigrated from many countries of origin from all regions of the world, including Latin America, Asia, Europe and Africa.

DACA recipients are:

  • High school students
  • College students
  • Young adults and parents
  • Employees in different business and organizations:
    • School District Educators: Teachers, Counselors, other Staff
    • Healthcare and medicine
    • Emergency response
    • Law enforcement, public safety and first responders
    • Transportation and logistics
    • Community and Government 
    • Information and Technology
    • Manufacturing and Agriculture
    • Financial services
    • Hazardous materials
  • Small business owners
  • Military service personnel

Where is DACA now?

The Trump Administration first announced plans to end the DACA program in September 2017, and the case went before the U.S. Supreme Court in June 2020. 

The Court ruled that DACA is lawful and that the current administration did not provide sufficient reason to rescind it, making the rescission “arbitrary and capricious.” This means that the DACA program is reinstated and new applications and renewals will be accepted again.USCIS will determine the process for new application submissions.The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services has provided an update here.

The Biden Administration has said it will appeal the ruling. The impacts outlined here may change depending on the outcome of any appeal.

Current information on DACA is constantly changing and while we try to maintain this page with the latest information, please visit the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) page for more information. 

How can I support best support undocumented students as a member of the Pacific University community?

It is important to remember that the need for privacy is imperative for our undocumented students. Should someone chose to disclose their circumstances, it is important that you maintain their anonymity. Your support can be demonstrated through the following strategies

  • Do your homework and learn about the issues, policies, and needs of undocumented students
  • Thank them for trusting you with personal information and assert your support
  • Give room for the student(s) to share their needs, avoid ascribing what you think is necessary. Remember each person carries multiple identities that are intersectional and contribute to their unique place in our community.
  • Respond from a place of care, demonstrate empathic listening, and seek support from areas such as the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, the Student Multicultural Center, and the Student Counseling Center based on the concerns raised by the student(s).

What should I do if an immigration or law enforcement official contacts me – in person, over the phone, or electronically – regarding a Pacific student or employee?

Pacific University values the privacy of its students, employees, alumni, donors and clients. As an institution of higher education and a healthcare facility, Pacific also is held accountable for following privacy laws, including HIPAA and FERPA.

So what do you do if a law enforcement agent arrives at your worksite (in person, over the phone, or electronically) requesting access to records, facilities or individuals? You are not required to speak to any agent — and in many cases may not be permitted by law to disclose certain health information or educational records. Direct the agent to the appropriate Pacific University office for assistance and follow this guide for further information.

  • Campus Public Safety (CPS) | 503-352-2230
  • Legal Affairs | 503-866-1414
  • Finance & Administration | 503-352-1621

Full policy on Law Enforcement on Campus is available online. 

Related Terms 

  • DACA-mented: Phrase used by a DACA recipient to describe their status and type of documentation.
  • DREAM (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act): The DREAM Act would provide a pathway to legal status for thousands of undocumented students who graduate from high school year. The bill allows current, former, and future undocumented high school graduates and GED recipients a pathway to U.S. citizenship through college or the armed services. The DREAM Act has not passed to date.
  • DREAMer: Used to describe young undocumented immigrants who in many cases identify as American because they have lived here and gone to school in this country their whole lives. It’s a double meaning about the undocumented youth who have big hopes and dreams for a better future.
  • Non-immigrant: A person who is allowed to enter the U.S. for a specific purpose for a certain period of time. This includes students, tourists, visitors, migrant laborers, and others.
  • Non-citizen: A person who has not obtained U.S. citizenship, but resides in the U.S. as a undocumented immigrant or a lawful immigrant, meaning they can legally reside in the U.S. Some examples of lawful permanent residents include refugees, asylees, temporary visitors, DACA recipients, and TPS holders.
  • Mixed-status family: a family, or household whose members include people with different citizenship or immigration statuses. Each individual has his or her own individual legal restraints or accessibilities to public benefits, and therefore can have unique familial obligations.
  • UndocuAlly: Used to refer to people who are committed to supporting the undocumented community on their campus and beyond. This commitment requires becoming familiar with the historical, political, and human context of undocumented immigrant experiences, in order to move into actions that are informed by the needs, desires, and leadership of people with undocumented status and/or who live within mixed-status families.
  • Undocu-friendly (or Undocufriendly): Schools and campuses that practice welcoming and visible support of undocu-students. They invest in legal resources, scholarships and provide aid, undocu-ally programs, safe spaces, and more.

Additional Resources for Educators: 

Undocumented & DACAmented Support

Pacific University is committed to welcoming and serving undocumented students. We are equipped with resources and support services to help students with their academics, personal growth, and sense of belonging.

Read more
Know Your Rights

Everyone has rights in the United States, whether you are a citizen or not, or in-between. It is important to know your rights. 

Read more
Financial Aid Resources

DACA students do not qualify for financial aid federal but are eligible for many private and local scholarships.

Read more