Dear Members of the Harvard Community,
Earlier today, the Supreme Court handed down its decision in Department of Homeland Security, et al. v. Regents of the University of California, et al., invalidating the rescission of the DACA program because it was procedurally deficient. Hundreds of thousands of young people who were brought to this country as children have been granted a welcome, albeit temporary, reprieve from uncertainty.
Throughout my career in higher education, I have met students of all backgrounds, abilities, and interests. Dreamers have always inspired me. Although they are denied legal status and have lived much of their lives at risk of sudden removal from our country, they have become undergraduates at colleges and universities nationwide, leading in our communities and advocating forcefully for change. Congress should now turn its attention to immigration reform and provide a pathway to citizenship for these young people and others, including individuals with temporary protected status. I also hope that rather than reflexively closing our borders to immigrants, and to nonimmigrants who wish to pursue educational opportunities in America, we can once again live up to our promise as a nation that welcomes those who seek a better life for themselves and their children—people who have traditionally contributed much to the fabric and greatness of our country.
There are complex issues that need to be addressed, but America will be better—and stronger—for all parties coming together to find common ground on this issue. Until then, I will continue to advocate for Dreamers and for their ability to contribute to a country that has been their home since childhood.
Sincerely,
Larry