The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has provided crucial opportunities to students across the United States. Not only to the students who are personally involved in the DACA benefits but everyone they influence. These students are active members of our higher education institutions. They are meritorious student scholars and leaders across our campuses and communities and have added tremendous value to our learning institutions. The DACA benefits they receive allow them to pursue opportunities to become productive members of our society, as is the goal of all students. They have been able to take their education and use it to contribute to our society. This being said, we are very disappointed and saddened to hear about the decision of the Trump Administration to end the DACA program that has benefited so many students.

As the University of Maine Student Government, we will continue to keep our student body informed as the consequences of these potential changes occur. We want all of our students to know that we support every student, regardless of your immigration status. UMaine is blessed with an unbelievable student body, where everyone is welcome. We are all here to better ourselves and in turn better the communities we will affect in the future.

To any UMaine DACA beneficiaries, we are proud to have you as Black Bears. You make us a stronger University and enrich our community and nation with your diverse talents, perspectives, experiences, and work ethics.

If there are any questions in regards to next steps, or if any undergraduate student has concerns about safety or comfort, please reach out to any member of UMSG or the appropriate on-campus resource. Your representatives can be found at https://umaine.edu/umsg/.

Below is a list of on-campus resources:

Counseling Center (Free & Confidential): (207) 581-1392

Office of Multicultural Student Life: (207) 581-1428

Office of International Programs: (207) 581-3437

Dean of Student’s Office: (207) 581-1406

University of Maine Police Department: (207) 581-4040

Office of Community Standards, Rights, & Responsibilities: (207) 581-1409

Office of Financial Affairs: (207) 581-1324