What DACA's End Could Mean for Colleges

Colleges have recently been inserting themselves into the conversation on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, the Obama-era program shielding undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children from deportation and allowing them to work legally in the country. University leaders condemned the Trump administration’s decision to end the program, arguing that DACA recipients are strong students and productive members of the workforce.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, both Democrats, announced last Wednesday night that they had struck an agreement with Trump to codify protections for DACA recipients. But it’s unclear whether Congress would approve such legislation, and the president’s own comments have implied that there’s still much work to be done before a deal is reached.   

College leaders say they have myriad reasons to oppose a prospective repeal of DACA. Undocumented students, they argue, often bring unique viewpoints and backgrounds to campus, excel academically, and contribute to the economy after graduating. But recent developments have also raised questions about the financial impact such