Immigration Reform
ACCU stands with the Catholic Church in supporting comprehensive immigration reform. As its focus, ACCU works to build collaborative networks across Catholic higher education to work toward immigration reform and best support immigrant students at Catholic colleges and universities.
Following a federal court decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, Catholic leaders in Washington, DC appeared at a Capitol Hill event to show the Church's support for immigrants and call for bipartisan immigration reform..
Creating Welcoming and Safe Spaces for Undocumented Students
ACCU held this special one-day session immediately before the 2018 ACCU Annual Meeting. Speakers animated the challenges and opportunities of serving undocumented students on campus, casting a close eye on the principle and practice of sacred hospitality that is essential in creating welcoming, supportive, and safe spaces for undocumented students at Catholic colleges and universities. Attendees heard information on how students can feel more connected and learned about best practices being used by Catholic campuses. Joining Catholic higher education specialists in this area were members from CLINIC, an organization created in 1988 by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to serve the legal immigration needs of various Catholic organizations. Presenters also discussed ways to access high-quality legal support services, including Catholic legal immigration programs and non-Catholic agencies that serve the immigrant community. Review the conference program.
Other ACCU Actions
- In February 2018, ACCU added its name to a letter to members of Congress, urging a legislative solution to comprehensive immigration reform, before DACA expires on March 5, 2018.
- In January 2017, ACCU expressed its strong opposition to the Executive Order signed by President Donald J. Trump concerning U.S. immigration policy. We stand in solidarity with other Catholic and higher education organizations that recognize the moral obligation of our country to assist migrants, particularly those who are fleeing any kind of persecution.
- In November 2016, ACCU released a statement signed by more than 120 presidents of institutions of Catholic higher education, in support of students who qualify for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy.