Many students and faculty have expressed the fear created by the “wind down” of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals at many events at Cerritos College.
Dr.. Jose Fierro’s President’s Hour was held Tuesday, Sept. 19 at Falcon Square where he voiced his concern for students dependent on federal programs to further their education and retain legal status in the United States.
One student questioned whether they were safe at the campus from being arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement or any other law enforcement officers.
Fierro said, “Internally, we are committed to not releasing any general information that could put our students in jeopardy.
“I am very committed to continue to help not only our DACA students, but also all of our DREAMers and undocumented students on campus. ”
Fierro disclosed that on Oct. 4 the Board of Trustees will present a possible resolution for the DACA issue.
It was stressed that advocacy for a solution was critical to bring forward a solution. Letters expressing concern are not only being sent to sympathetic state legislators, but to legislators across the country who are not supportive on the issue.
Fierro said, “We are committed to protecting students and to continue to work with our local and state legislators and federal legislators to push for a permanent solution for DACA.”
Fierro voiced his opinion on the termination of the DACA program by saying, “This is not a political issue, this an issue of human rights and plain human decency.”
In response to President of the Universities of California Janet Napolitano’s decision to pursue a lawsuit against President Donald Trump for rescinding DACA, Fierro said he was sure it was prudent decision.
Andrea Gutierrez, child development major, also revealed her concern for DACA and DREAMer students who face the current difficulties in the country.
Gutierrez said she disagreed with the rescinding of DACA announced by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions. “A lot of those kids are capable of doing good for our country,” Gutierrez said.
She explains her reasoning by saying “It’s not just for economic reason, but just for humanity. Having a society that is full of different cultures and backgrounds, that’s what our country is all about.”
