Statement Urging Trump Administration to Maintain DACA by Dr. DeRionne Pollard, President of Montgomery College

"The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is critically important to thousands of community college students throughout the United States, allowing educational and career opportunities for undocumented young people who were brought to the United States as minors. More than 15,500 people in Maryland had been approved under DACA as of June 2016 and hundreds of them are currently students at Montgomery College. As the Trump Administration considers the future of this program, Montgomery College urges the Administration to maintain DACA, and to work with Congress to implement a long-term solution that supports the more than 750,000 young people registered under DACA nationwide. "Montgomery College is committed to serving its community by providing education to all who seek it. Hundreds of DACA students are studying diligently at Montgomery College, preparing themselves for the local workforce and improving their chances to contribute to our local economies. Their talents, perspectives, and work ethic are integral to the character of our College and our county. Terminating or phasing out DACA would leave thousands of young people in the state of Maryland in limbo, including many of our students, who would be unable to work legally and, thus, could not afford tuition. As our Board of Trustees expressed in its statement in January, 'The College will continue to defend the rights of all persons to study and pursue opportunity through education, free from fear and distraction. Our institution will continue to be a place where diversity thrives and where difference is celebrated.' "Montgomery College takes great pride in its diversity and its inclusive practices. When paired with equal educational opportunity, these enrich our communities immeasurably. They also bear witness to our nation's history as a place of refuge for immigrants and refugees. DACA is a contemporary tool in this legacy, allowing individuals the dignity of work, creating social stability, and nurturing economic growth. The College urges the Trump Administration to affirm the contributions of DACA recipients to their communities in the US by maintaining this important program." - Dr. DeRionne Pollard, President, Montgomery College