From the Executive Dean: Resources on DACA
Colleagues,
I write to update you on resources available to The New School community in light of the Trump Administration’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The decision directly impacts many members of our community. I write to offer support and solidarity, and to connect students, staff, and faculty with resources.
I want to be sure that all are aware that New School students who have DACA status or those who are undocumented are invited to contact Jennifer Francone, Assistant Vice President for Student Equity and Access, to discuss privately their questions or concerns. Jennifer is reachable via email at franconj@newschool.edu or via phone at 212.229.5900 x3656.
Faculty should be aware that some students may be experiencing difficulties as a result of the DACA decision, and I ask that faculty accommodate requests for absences or extensions on assignments. I ask that all of us be mindful of the effects of this decision on members of our community when discussing and debating issues on campus and beyond.
There are a number of ways that members of our community can connect with resources and support on campus and around the city. Here are a few events and resources assembled by the Global Studies Program, The New School Dream Team, and the Sanctuary Campus Working Group.
- On Monday, September 25 at 6:00pm in Theresa Lang Center the Taskforce on Immigration and Inclusion will host an event “Legal Issues in U.S. Immigration: Q&A with Immigration Lawyers,” which will include ample time for a Q&A with immigration attorneys.
- For those who need immediate legal assistance, Claire Thomas, law professor at the New York Law School, has offered support in representing individuals seeking asylum, as well as DACA renewals and screening students for eligibility for forms of immigration relief. You can reach out to her at claire.thomas@nyls.edu. For individuals of Mexican origin, the Mexican consulate in New York is offering free legal support and financial aid to pay for DACA renewals before the October 5th deadline. Other resources for financial aid for DACA renewals include the Mission Asset Fund.
- Through September 25, The New School in conjunction with the Mayor’s office is offering IDNYC to the The New School community. The Sanctuary Working Group urges everyone who does not have IDNYC to use this opportunity to get one, even if you have other forms of ID. IDNYC is crucial to immigrants in the city as an official document of recognition. Moreover, the wider the use of the ID by all New Yorkers, the lower the chances that it will be used to discriminate against people, and the more acceptable it will become city-wide. Get your IDNYC and help make the city safer. See the attachment below for details.
- Students are encouraged to reach out to The New School Dream Team (dreamteam@newschool.edu) if they need a space to come together and discuss modes of organizing and activism. This student-led organization includes undocumented students and allies, and welcomes all who are interested. The Dream Team will be holding Sanctuary Space events for those directly affected by recent changes: for persons with DACA, undocumented status, TPS, persons with families of mixed status, and immigrants of color.
- Students can also reach out to and get involved in the Sanctuary Campus Working Group (sanctuary@newschool.edu), a coalition of faculty, students and staff working on institutional changes to support affected persons. The Working Group and the Taskforce on Immigration and Inclusion are organizing a training in October for all community members to better understand implications of recent policies, build solidarity within the university, and share resources.
- For resources outside of the university, we encourage students to reach out to the New York State Youth Leadership Council, an undocumented student-led organization, and United We Dream, for more support and information. They provide information on DACA renewal funds, as well as resources on interactions with ICE, what to do if a loved one is detained, and updates on DACA ending.
If you have questions about these campus events please contact Alexandra Délano, Chair of Global Studies at delanoa@newschool.edu.
I invite faculty, staff, students, and community members to drop in on our Race in the United States lecture course programmed by faculty in the Milano School, which later this fall will feature a special lecture on Race and Immigration featuring the Executive Director of the New York Immigration Coalition, Steve Choi.
Please reach out to me directly with resources or ideas about how we can further engage with these issues in order to support each other.
Sincerely,
Mary Watson
Executive Dean, Schools of Public Engagement