The University on DACA and Immigration

March 5, 2018

An Update on Columbia's Support for our DACA Students and the DACA program

In this time of uncertainty about Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) protection against deportation, I am writing to reiterate Columbia’s support both for our own students with DACA and for the DACA program.

January 17, 2018

DACA Update: Window to Apply for Renewals

On January 13, 2018 the Department of Homeland Security announced it will resume the application renewal process for DACA students. In light of this announcement and the rapid pace of DACA developments, we encourage students with DACA to apply for renewal as soon as possible.

December 18, 2017

Columbia Joins Friend of the Court Brief in Support of DACA Students

"Ending DACA forces future scholars, innovators and leaders to choose between withdrawing to the margins of our society and economy or returning to countries they have never called home - their gifts and education lost to this nation. Schools must be able to identify and educate the very best students, and those students must be able to work after graduation."

September 7, 2017

President Bollinger Among 57 AAU Presidents and Chancellors to Urge Congress to Act on DACA

Columbia University President Lee C. Bollinger is among 57 Association of American University (AAU) Presidents and Chancellors who have sent a letter to Congress requesting immediate Congressional action to establish a permanent legislative solution for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

September 5, 2017

Supporting our DACA Students

Columbia unequivocally opposes the ending of DACA and is working with others in higher education to urge Congress and federal officials to reinstate DACA’s protections and protect the rights of those with DACA status. The Office of University Life will continue its working group that focuses on the needs of undocumented students and is also available to help individual students access information and resources.

March 2017

Message Responding to Second Executive Order on Immigration and Refugee Policy from President Lee C. Bollinger

“As we have said many times and on many occasions, we will continue to support students, faculty, and visiting scholars from the now six designated countries, and all others in our community who may be harmed by this policy.”

February 2017

Reminder of Resources – and Support – for DACA and Undocumented Students from Executive Vice President for University Life Suzanne Goldberg

“These services and support are ongoing for as long as circumstances require, and will be updated as conditions change.”

February 2017

Columbia Joins Amicus Brief Opposing Executive Order

On February 13th, Columbia filed a friend-of-the-court brief with 16 other universities in a challenge to the immigration executive order issued in late January. The brief argues that “safety and security concerns can be addressed in a manner that is consistent with the values America has always stood for, including the free flow of ideas and people across borders and the welcoming of immigrants to our universities.”

January 2017

Message Responding to Executive Order on Refugee and Immigration Policy from President Lee C. Bollinger

“We join with many peers in decrying this action as discriminatory, damaging to America’s leadership in higher education, and contrary to our nation’s core values and founding principles.

November 2016

Message on Post-Election Issues and Concerns from Provost John Coatsworth

Contains information about relevant policies and the University's plans for ensuring that every person at Columbia feels safe, is able to proceed unimpeded with their studies and their work, and understands beyond question that Columbia’s dedication to inclusion and diversity is and will remain unwavering.

November 2016

Message Regarding the Presidential Election from President Lee C. Bollinger

“In these moments, we must turn to our fundamental values, among them a commitment to freedom of thought and expression, dedication to tolerance and reason, respect for diversity and differing points of view, and a determination to do what we do with the utmost integrity and courage.”