Dear CSN Family,
As the U.S. Supreme Court readies its decision on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, I want to reaffirm CSN’s strong support for these students, and to let you know that there are resources available to help in this time of increased uncertainty.
At CSN, we value our diverse faculty, staff and student populations, and we believe we are stronger because of that diversity. As a community college, it is important that we reflect the community we serve, and we do. Per capita, Nevada has the highest population of undocumented immigrants in the nation. One of out of every 10 Nevada workers is an undocumented immigrant.
We are proud of all of our DACA students. Since the DACA program was started in 2012, we have witnessed the critical benefits of this program for our students and our college community. Across the nation, more than 200,000 DACA recipients are right now working the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis — 4,400 of them in Nevada — protecting all of us. They deserve our thanks, and our support.
I strongly encourage all DACA recipients to renew their DACA status before a Supreme Court decision is made, even if the status is set to expire in more than six months. I also want to encourage you to join NSHE’s Virtual Town Hall on DACA Issues at 4 p.m. Tuesday. Students, employees and community stakeholders are encouraged to submit questions prior or during the live event.
Below are some resources to further support our immigrant students.
The UNLV Immigration Clinic provides free DACA renewals. To schedule an appointment, call (702) 895-2080 or email immigrationclinic@unlv.nevada.edu.
The Immigrant Home Foundation also provides assistance with DACA renewals. To schedule an appointment, call (702) 889-4431 or email info@immigrantfoundation.org.
The NSHE All Access Committee is building a comprehensive state-wide support system for students who are undocumented, students with DACA, as well as immigrant students under other immigration statuses. You can find more information in the NSHE All Access DACA Renewal Guide or contact the CSN All Access Committee.
CSN Alternative Scholarship Applications for 2020-2021 are still being accepted. The Alternative Scholarship is for students who cannot qualify for federal aid due to U.S. citizenship requirements.
To learn more about our CSN Generation Dreamers Student Club and upcoming faculty and staff trainings designed to establish a visible support network for DACA and undocumented students at CSN, please contact Esther Pla-Cazares at Esther.Pla-Cazares@csn.edu.
For more statewide support, refer to the Nevada Immigrant Resource Guide.
Please know that CSN supports you and your journey toward completion and will be here for you now and in the future.
Thank you.
Federico Zaragoza
President
College of Southern Nevada