(Camarillo, Calif.) September 6, 2017 -
Dear Students, Faculty, Staff, Administrators, and Community Partners:
The President of the United States has ordered the elimination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. DACA was established by executive order in June 2012 by the previous presidential administration. Eligible individuals (immigrant youth who came to the United States as children) with DACA status have protection from deportation and the ability to have a work permit. DACA remains in place for the next six months to allow for a possible legislative replacement program. Individuals with current DACA status maintain the benefits of the program through the expiration of their approved request.
The Ventura County Community College District mission statement is clear: “Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) provides students, in its diverse community, with access to comprehensive quality educational opportunities that support student learning and student success.” We enroll and serve many DACA students at Moorpark, Oxnard, and Ventura Colleges. DACA students are part of our diverse community and we are committed to providing the residents of Ventura County with access to higher education. We are here to help DACA and all of our students access our colleges and move forward to complete certificates and degrees.
An update from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office following a meeting of a DACA Rapid Response Committee emphasized several key points:
- The California Community Colleges remain open to all students who can benefit from a postsecondary education, and financial aid is available for non-resident students under the California Dream Act.
- The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO) and community colleges will not share student information for purposes of immigration enforcement with federal authorities unless compelled to do so by law.
- The Department of Homeland Security does not intend to terminate an individual’s DACA status prior to its stated expiration and an individual whose DACA status is set to expire between now and March 5, 2018 may apply for renewal with the renewal application due by October 5, 2017.
- The CCCCO will be supporting a federal legislative solution that meets the needs of California community college students.
Education is the pathway to opportunity. Our three Ventura County colleges are part of the California Community College system that serves over 2.2 million students annually. All of us working in the VCCCD are here to support the success of all students who access education at Moorpark, Oxnard, and Ventura Colleges. Each college has experienced staff and support services available to address questions from current students as well as provide information on resources and support to individuals considering enrollment. Access to education transcends the politics of the moment and we are fortunate that California supports access for everyone, regardless of immigration status. Dreams are met and goals are achieved by our students every day.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, thank you for your ongoing support.
Greg Gillespie, Ph.D.
Chancellor
Ventura County Community College District
761 East Daily Drive | Suite 200 | Camarillo, CA 93010 | (805) 652-5500
California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley’s
Statement on the Trump Administration’s Action to End DACA for Dreamers
(Sacramento, Calif.) September 5, 2017 -
California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley issued the following statement on the Trump administration’s action to end DACA:
"Ending DACA is a heartless and senseless decision that goes against American ideals and basic human decency. Those who are affected by this decision were brought to this country as children and are pursuing an education and making contributions to their communities. Some have served in the armed forces defending this country. In California, we don’t put dreams -- or Dreamers -- on hold. The California Community Colleges remain committed to serving all students, regardless of immigration status, and to providing safe and welcoming environments in which to learn. We will do all within our power to assist students affected by this decision, and we will advocate tirelessly in Congress for a permanent resolution to this issue."
The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation composed of 72 districts and 114 colleges serving 2.1 million students per year. Community colleges supply workforce training, basic skills education in English and math, and prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions. The Chancellor’s Office provides leadership, advocacy and support under the direction of the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges. For more information about the community colleges, please visit http://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/, https://www.facebook.com/CACommColleges, or https://twitter.com/CalCommColleges.
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Contact: Paige Marlatt Dorr. Phone: 916.327.5356, E-mail: pdorr@cccco.edu