As an institution that educates beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, Albion College is celebrating the June 18, 2020 Supreme Court ruling that allows DACA to continue providing a path for more than 700,000 Dreamers to study, work, contribute to their communities and live meaningful lives in the country many of whom know as the only home they’ve ever known.

Originally created through President Obama’s 2012 executive action (because of Congress’ inability to pass significant immigration reform legislation), and eight years later overcoming a challenge to dismantle it at every level of the federal judiciary, DACA continues to be a powerful example of the American ideal, that this is still a land of opportunity.

Hundreds of thousands of DACA residents were very young children when they arrived on U.S. soil. They grew up living an American experience. Some are Albion graduates, current students and future students, each of whom is a valued and vital part of our campus and alumni communities. For the last three and a half years, many have been forced to endure an additional level of uncertainty in their daily lives, and one Supreme Court ruling won’t simply wash those feelings away. In that regard, Albion students should continue to count on the resources available through the College, starting in the Division of Student Development. If students affected by this ruling have concerns or questions about fall plans, we encourage them to reach out to Keena Williams, Associate Dean & President’s Special Advisor for Global Diversity, at [emailprotected].

While the Court’s DACA decision was made on legal procedural grounds, I still find inspiration in it. It’s evidence that the levers of government do indeed work for people, and that when we approach issues collectively rather than from a place of division, progress can be made. Though much work remains—starting in Congress—to ensure that these Americans, like their fellow Americans, are fully protected under the law and feel wholly welcome and secure in their own country, we are joyful in this victorious moment.

Dr. Mathew Johnson
President-Elect