Founded in 1888, University of Puget Sound is an independent, residential, and predominantly undergraduate liberal arts college.
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The university is committed to the safety and well-being of all members of the campus community. Information related specifically to undocumented students includes:
Puget Sound enrolls students without regard to citizenship or immigration status. While the number of undocumented students is small, the university does not identify a number of undocumented students nor does the university records system code students as undocumented.
Approximately 750,000 students in the United States are eligible to complete a process to receive two-year protection from deportation, a Social Security number, and approval to work under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.[1] DACA is an executive order signed in 2012 by President Barack Obama, not a law or regulation, so it can be changed or ended at any time. Many are concerned that the Donald Trump administration will modify or rescind DACA. Concerns are heightened in light of presidential executive orders issued in January 2017: "Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvements," "Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States," and "Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States."
University of Puget Sound leaders are working with national higher education organizations and are actively encouraging members of Washington state’s congressional delegation to support passage of the Bar Removal of Individuals who Dream and Grow our Economy (or BRIDGE) Act, which would bring the provisions of DACA into law. President Crawford will be in Washington, D.C., January 30 - February 1 to meet with members of Washington state's Congressional delegation.
Nothing is certain, and vigilance is important. Puget Sound will continue to be vigilant, open, and flexible in considering all that can be done, ethically and legally, to protect Puget Sound students.
According to the American Council on Education, U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) officers currently work under directives that give priority to threats to national security, border security and public safety. ICE’s Sensitive Locations Policy provides that enforcement actions should generally be avoided at schools, colleges, and universities.
It is unlikely that a situation involving only a student’s immigration status would be of such urgency that there would not be time for the appropriate university leaders, in consultation with legal counsel, to consider how best to protect Puget Sound students in accord with our Commitment to Support Students, Faculty, and Staff Regardless of Immigration Status or Religious Affiliation.
The phrase “sanctuary campus” has no clearly defined meaning, nor is “sanctuary” a status or regulation recognized under federal law. Because it is a broad phrase, it may carry a sense of protection beyond what is in fact possible to provide. Puget Sound has not declared itself a “sanctuary campus,” but continues to be deeply committed to offering services and resources that help our students achieve their educational goals, including the provision of accurate and specific information regarding privacy protections and support for students as outlined in published documents referenced above.
It is the well-considered recommendation of higher education leaders in our national organizations that declaration of “sanctuary campus” may draw the attention of those determined to undermine DACA and, in fact, jeopardize the security of the very students whom we want to protect.
Puget Sound will continue its practice of evaluating any student’s change in personal or family circumstances and make appropriate financial aid adjustments.
[1] Material in this FAQ is drawn from “Immigration Post-Election Q&A: DACA Students, 'Sanctuary Campuses' and Institutional or Community Assistance,” American Council on Education, December 2016.
Originally posted December 6, 2016; Updated January 30, 2017
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