Camero Pollack / Sun Photography Editor

Cornell community members gather to support the DACA program and its recipients on Sept. 18. 2017.

January 25, 2018

Cornell Offers Financial Support for Students Applying for DACA Status

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In an attempt to help immigrant students, the University has extended a financial support program for students in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival program.

The DACA Renewal Fee Emergency fund, announced last Thursday, is supported by the Office of Financial Aid and provides grants up to $495 — the total cost of the reapplication fee.

The grants do not have to be repaid and are available to in-need Cornell students who currently or previously held DACA status.

“There are many remarkable, innovative and passionate DACA and undocumented students engaged in study and research at Cornell,” said Laura Spitz, vice provost for international affairs. “They enrich the fabric of our academic community and contribute to our standing as a leading global institution of higher education.”

Although the fate of the DACA program still remains undecided, many Cornell students, faculty members and administrators have continuously voiced support for the program and its recipients.

In a joint statement released in April of 2017, Barbara Knuth, senior vice provost and dean of the Graduate School, Ryan Lombardi, vice president for student and campus life and Spitz confirmed that support for DACA students extended to both undergraduate and graduate students.

Last semester, Cornellians held a rally on Arts Quad to protest against Trump administration’s decision to shut down the program.

In August and September, Cornell President Martha E. Pollack sent letters to President Donald Trump and the New York state legislature, urging support and continuation of DACA. On the day of the initial repeal, Pollack also issued a statement reiterating Cornell’s commitment to students with DACA status.

“Cornell since its founding has been committed to diversity and inclusion, and DACA students are an integral part of our community,” She wrote, pledging university programs and staff to the students

“To each of our students who must now fear for their future, please know that Cornell stands with you,” Pollack said.