Publish Date: Jan 23, 2019
SALINAS, Calif. — Mi CASA (Center for Student Achievement and Advancement) at Hartnell College today, Jan. 22, reaffirmed the college’s strong and continued support for undocumented students and underscored that action announced this morning by the U.S. Supreme Court does not affect the status or rights of those students.
Specifically, the court’s inaction does not change fundamental aspects of students’ current situation:
- All undocumented students can pursue a college education regardless of whether they have DACA status.
- DACA renewal applications are still being accepted and processed.
- No new applications for DACA will be accepted.
The Supreme Court decided not to take action on the U.S. Department of Justice’s requests for certiorari, meaning that at this time, they will not hear arguments to overturn lower court decisions to keep the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) Act in effect.
This decision follows action taken on Nov. 5 by the Department of Justice to petition the high court for a writ of certiorari (cert) on three DACA cases in the following federal courts — New York, Washington, D.C., and California. Petitioning for cert is when a losing party files with the Supreme Court to ask them to review the decision of a lower court.
While the high court could still decide to hear arguments in its fall term, today’s action means they will not decide the case by June. As a result, DACA recipients can continue to submit renewal applications.
“We strive to provide a welcoming environment and share accurate and current information in order to remind students to continue pursuing their dreams,” said Bronwyn Moreno, director of student affairs for special programs. “We are in this together, and Hartnell College will support undocumented students in achieving their educational and professional goals, with or without DACA.”
About Mi CASA
Hartnell College is committed to supporting all students regardless of their residency status. We provide specialized services for undocumented students. Among the services that Mi CASA provides are: A welcoming space for undocumented students, assistance with the AB540 Affidavit and CA Dream Act as well as referrals to legal services. Mi CASA also provides educational planning and counseling, scholarship opportunities and transfer assistance. We work closely with our community partners to aid students with their DACA renewals. Protecting and providing services for undocumented students and families is Mi CASA’s main priority.