5 things Ohio U is doing to support DACA-protected students

Ohio U administration held an "open house" Wednesday afternoon to discuss the Trump administration's decision to roll back DACA protections. They specifically addressed how they're helping affected students.

[dropcap txtcolor="#214985"]T[/dropcap]he Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program allows young, undocumented U.S. immigrants to avoid deportation, get a work permit and, in the case of some Ohio University students, attend college.When Donald Trump announced that DACA would be discontinued in six months, giving Congress time to act, Ohio U’s administration decided to hold an impromptu “open house” so that the community could gather and discuss a path forward. Here are five ways the university is supporting its undocumented students.[AdSense-A]

Information and resources concerning immigration executive orders are available online.

If you visit this link, best viewed on a desktop computer or laptop, you’ll find all the information and support services compiled by the Ohio U Office of Global Affairs and International Studies. It includes documentation related to what the EOs mean, a list of specific actions Ohio U has taken and avenues to find resources and support on- and off-campus.

Staff are briefed on how to deal with ICE agents.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are responsible for deporting individuals. Vice Provost for Global Affairs and International Studies Lorna Jean Edmonds noted during the open house that Ohio U staff were emailed with instructions to follow if an ICE agent approached them on-campus. Staff members should not disclose the location or information concerning DACA-protected students. Instead, they should refer ICE agents to Ohio U legal services.

An agreement with international universities to accept deported students is in the works.

Edmonds couldn’t reveal all the details of Ohio U’s tentative partnership with international schools, but said the administration is laying the groundwork for a set-up where students, if deported, could finish their degree at peer institutions in a neighboring country. She stressed that her hope is other universities in the U.S. will strive to do the same if Ohio U is successful.https://twitter.com/DrMarleneDLC/status/905540315230109701

Visiting immigration attorney Ken Robinson will offer advice to interested students.

While Ohio U also has immigration attorneys on staff, Columbus attorney Ken Robinson visited campus last semester to give a presentation on recent executive orders and participate in a community Q&A. Edmonds said that Robinson will return sometime this fall to advise students and brief them on legal concerns, and that a date and location will soon be set.

President Duane Nellis and other administrators are contacting representatives in favor of DACA.

Nellis visited Capitol Hill to speak face-to-face with representatives Wednesday in support of DACA, and other administrators echoed his support at the open house, calling for faculty and students to phone their representatives, convince their peers to support DACA and vote for politicians who represent their views.