September 6, 2017

Dear Members of the Drexel Community,

President Trump's decision to unwind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program means Congress must act to find a workable, humane and fair solution that shields undocumented children who were brought to the United States.

I, along with hundreds of other university presidents, support the DACA program. At Drexel, we have seen how DACA students have made meaningful contributions to our University and the broader Philadelphia community. Their pursuit of higher education gives them an opportunity to greatly improve their lives and become strong and active contributors to society.

Nationwide, more than 800,000 people benefit from the DACA program, which allows undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children to work and study here without fear of deportation. Ending the program will upend their lives and negatively impact businesses, schools and our economy. That is why members of Congress from both political parties must come together to pass real immigration reform that creates a permanent path forward for those impacted by the end of the DACA program.

In the meantime, I understand the President's actions create uncertainty and anxiety for many DACA students and their families. I want to assure you that Drexel University will do everything it can to support undergraduate and graduate students who are covered by the DACA program. (Our international students are not subject to the DACA rules and regulations and can continue their education without interruption.)

If you have any questions, please contact our Office of International Student and Scholar Services, which hosts a weekly check-in/dialogue with DACA students, via email at isss@drexel.edu. All Drexel students should know they will always have the strong and steadfast support of our University community.

Sincerely,

John Fry
President