Message from the Director to our Students:
Today, many of our graduate students are reeling from this morning’s announcement on DACA. I want all our students to know that we in the Office for Graduate Diversity remain committed to welcoming and supporting the students that will be affected by this unfortunate and shortsighted decision.
I want our DACA graduate student community to know that my team and I stand in solidarity to support each of you. Please count on us to provide a kind, compassionate and a safe place where you will be heard and supported in any way we can.
As we face these difficult days, please know that The Office for Graduate Diversity will continue to work closely with the Division of Equity & Inclusion, the Undocumented Student Program and the Chancellor’s office to ensure that you are welcomed and feel valued here. Together, we will continue to advocate on your behalf to ensure you successfully complete your studies at UC Berkeley.
While we may not have all the answers at this time, we can help you and other DACA graduate students find them. Please know that we are your partners, and will work hard to help you to access helpful resources.
Please take care, know your value and worth and that we care deeply about you.
Sincerely,
Abby Rincón
What We Know Now (as of August 23, 2018)
Here’s what you need to know about DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS (DACA):
Dear USP Students,
As many of you have been reading in the news there are several ongoing legal cases challenging the legality of the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program. We are attaching a comprehensive discussion of the different cases involved as well as advice for those of you who currently have DACA or might be affected by one of these upcoming decisions.
As of now, our advice is as follows:
- If you currently have DACA and your DACA status is set to expire within 150 days, you should apply to renew ASAP.
- If your DACA is set to expire within 151 to 365 days, you should apply to renew ASAP.
- If your DACA is set to expire in more than a year then you can consider renewing as the future of the program is unclear.
- If you had DACA previously but it expired or was terminated, you should consider applying for DACA.
- If you never had DACA in the past, you are not eligible to apply at this time.
Please contact your USP legal team at USPlegal@ebclc.org to make a DACA renewal appointment as soon as possible. You can also access previously scheduled appointments through the online system at https://undocu.berkeley.edu/legal-support-overview/legal-support-appointments/. Given the time sensitive nature of these decisions, we encourage you to contact us through USPlegal@ebclc.org for the earliest available appointment. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
Thank you,
The USP Legal Team
For more information, please consult this resource (DACA update 2018.08.21) provided by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC)
