Published: Oct. 11, 2019

The University of Colorado system hassigned an amicus briefurgingtheU.S. Supreme Courtto protect the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)immigrationpolicy.

is among 165 public and private universities and colleges from 32 states and the District of Columbia thatunitedin support of DACAahead ofaNov. 12 hearing, when justiceswillhearoral arguments on a series of consolidated cases and determine whether the administration’s Sept. 5, 2017,was lawful.

By some estimates, there are nearly 800,000 DACA recipients in the United States, and many are students on college campuses across the country.The executive immigration policy allows recipients to remain in the country to work and study until the government provides them with a permanent path to citizenship.

The nation’s highestcourtis expected to issuea rulingon DACAin late June, but a decision could come as soon as early 2020.

According to theamicus brief, coordinated by thenonpartisan, DACA recipients have “contributed immeasurably to their campuses through academic achievements and co-curricular activities.”

The brief also argues that the rescission of DACA would “severely harm the life prospects of these students and alumni, adversely affect our nation’s higher education institutions, undermine the many years of investments that colleges and universities made to support DACA recipients, and sap our higher education communities of needed talent, diversity and leadership.”

Last week, the(AAU), the(ACE) and the(APLU) joined 40 other higher education associations in a separate amicus brief.

Boulder Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano and other leaders believeit is time fornation’s high court and congressional leadersto take action onDACA.

“Since its creation in 2012, thousands of young immigrants have been able to pursue their dreams on college campuses across the United States,” DiStefano said. “We are callingonournation’s elected and appointedleadersto considerthe plight of DACA beneficiariesand to give them the chance they need to become full citizens of the country that provided them with a home and opportunities to succeedinK-12schoolsand higher education.”

about Boulder support services for DACA registrants.