Asian and Pacific Americans in Higher Education (APAHE) is dedicated to enhancing the educational opportunities for Asian and Pacific American students, faculty, staff and administrators and creating a better understanding of issues in the public affecting Asian and Pacific Americans in higher education. The purpose of APAHE is to ensure that Asian and Pacific Americans are treated equally and fairly without regard to their race, gender, national origin, or other protected statuses. As such, APAHE expresses its support for all DREAMers upon the announcement of the rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. APAHE believes that DREAMers should have the right to federal protections that include their right to remain in the United States and to continue their enrollment in institutions of higher education.
In an August 2017 study conducted by Tom K. Wong of the University of California, San Diego, United We Dream (UWD), the National Immigration Law Center (NILC), and the Center for American Progress shows that DACA recipients make positive contributions to the American economy, which benefits the country overall. The study, which is the largest of its kind to date, shows that 97 percent of respondents are employed or enrolled in school; 72 percent are pursuing a bachelor’s degree or higher; and 69 percent moved into a job with better pay after receiving DACA. Data also shows that respondents are twice as likely to start their own business compared to the general population.
APAHE urges the President of the United States and the Members of Congress to act immediately to support Childhood Arrivals to the United States in allowing them to remain in the United States, to continue enrollment as college students and to work. It is time to provide paths to permanent residency and citizenship.
September 8, 2017
