Dear Members of the Fordham Family,
As you are likely aware, I and every other president of a Jesuit university in the United States, have vigorously opposed ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. I believe rescinding DACA is not only foolish, but unfathomably cruel. The decision throws the lives of 800,000 Dreamers into turmoil, damages our economy, and erodes our national security. For what? It is a naked appeal to the darkest side of human nature, and it is a stain on the promise of our country.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has called the cancellation of the DACA program “reprehensible,” and goes on to say:
The Church has recognized and proclaimed the need to welcome young people: ‘Whoever welcomes one of these children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me’ (Mark 9:37). Today, our nation has done the opposite of how Scripture calls us to respond.
The University has just updated its page, Resources for Undocumented Students (DACA), to reflect the administration’s decision to rescind DACA: www.fordham.edu/daca
Below is a message from Tom Dunne, vice president for administration, on some of the measures Fordham is taking to support Dreamers. I urge you to do whatever you can to help our immigrant brothers and sisters in their time of need.
Fordham has always been a home for immigrants, in a city of immigrants. We will remain true to our roots, and to the Jesuit, Catholic spirit that guides us.
Sincerely,
Joseph M. McShane, S.J.
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Fordham University has been steadfast in support of the DACA Program in our advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., and in Albany. We will continue to actively and aggressively engage federal policy makers in an effort to either reverse the order or secure a legislative remedy. We are urging the White House and our elected officials in Washington, D.C., to support legislative proposals such as The Dream Act (Durbin-Graham).
Our advocacy efforts include, but are not limited to the following: internet letter writing campaigns, post card campaign, radio advertisement and podcasts, newspaper editorials, use of phone banks for call-in campaigns, involving university stakeholders and Congressional visits. To learn more about our advocacy efforts, and to be part of the campaign, please contact Ms. Lesley Massiah-Arthur, associate vice president for government relations and urban affairs, at massiah@fordham.edu.
Tom Dunne, Vice President, Administration
