Statement from President Coley on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Ruling

October 7, 2022

Dear Cal Poly Pomona Community,

I join the leadership of the California State University, University of California and California Community Colleges in lamenting the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision, announced on Wednesday, which concluded that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program violates federal law.

For a decade now, DACA has served to protect thousands of undocumented individuals in California and across the nation as they ardently pursue their educational and professional goals. And while this most recent court decision doesn’t change protections for those already in the program, it continues to bar any new applications and perpetuates uncertainty for those who deserve a permanent solution. Cal Poly Pomona will continue to join with our allies in higher education in working with elected officials to support permanent pathways to residency and citizenship.

For those in need of support, free legal services for students, faculty and staff remain available through the university’s partnership with CARECEN Legal Services, and our Undocumented Students Services provides a range of support and resources as well. For additional information, the Office of the Chancellor and CARECEN Legal Services will both hold virtual information sessions today at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. respectively. Details are posted on the Undocumented Students Services website.

The Cal Poly Pomona community offers our unwavering commitment to our students, faculty and staff impacted by this ruling, and we will continue to support and empower the undocumented members of our campus community.

Sincerely,

Soraya M. Coley, Ph.D.
President