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Friend,
At
the heart of every democracy is the principle of equality which means
ensuring opportunities and rights to all individuals, regardless of
their immigration status. The University of California (UC) recently
made strides in this direction by embarking on a bold path.
Following
the university regents forming a working group to examine the legal
intricacies and practical considerations associated with employing
students who lack legal status, the UC system has decisively taken a
stand and announced it will begin hiring undocumented students. This
groundbreaking initiative will send ripples through both the
educational landscape and immigration policy debate, marking a pivotal
moment in our commitment to equality and opportunity for all.
The UC's initiative directly challenges the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act
(IRCA), which prohibits the hiring of noncitizens without work
authorization. Scholars at the Center for Immigration Law Policy at the
UCLA School of Law have presented a legal analysis that contests the
applicability of this federal law to states, based on the lack of
explicit mention.
The
argument revolves around the precedent set by the U.S. Supreme Court,
which has ruled that congressional shifts altering the balance between
federal and state power must use unmistakably clear language, especially
in areas traditionally controlled by the state.
Detractors
who are steeped in baseless fear-mongering warn that this move would
put the UC system in endless legal disputes and risk federal funding. But
these criticisms are just transparent ploys, weaponized by right-wing
extremists to keep us from moving toward a future that welcomes
immigrants with open arms. They stubbornly refuse to recognize
the transformative benefits to students and the positive impact for the
system. Instead of promoting an inclusive society, these critics
perpetuate an oppressive system that stifles the aspirations of students
who want to learn.
We
must cast aside these unfounded fears and prioritize the pursuit of
equality and justice over exclusion and discrimination. Tell the DOJ:
Hands off UC's work permits for undocumented immigrants. Don’t be a tool
for right-wing extremists..
The
discussion about the rights and future of undocumented students should
be based on fairness, opportunity, and human rights. It is time we shift
away from fear-driven narratives and embrace an approach grounded in
empathy and justice.
The livelihood of students without legal status has significantly worsened since 2017, following the termination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
(DACA) program by the Trump administration. Approximately 44,000
students without DACA status are currently enrolled in California
colleges, finding themselves unable to legally enter the labor market. The
UC’s initiative would unlock these restrictions, significantly
improving their circumstances and enabling them to contribute actively
to the state's economy and society.
Undocumented
students have the same aspirations as their peers. They strive for a
good education, decent work, and a chance to give back to their
community. We must support these ambitions, not suppress them. By doing
so, we can ensure that our society is genuinely inclusive, fostering
equality and opportunity for all.
The
Justice Department now has a crucial decision to make. Will it serve as
a tool for right-wing extremists, or will it stand as a bastion of
justice, upholding the rights of undocumented immigrants to secure
employment and improve their lives ?
The
UC's initiative is grounded in a robust legal analysis, and it is
driven by a commitment to extend opportunities to all students. We must
urge the DOJ not to hinder the work of the UC in its efforts to provide
work permits for undocumented students. Please add your name now.
Let's
strive to secure a future for all immigrants, where they are recognized
for their potential and not held back by their status.
LeeAnn Hall
Director, National Campaign for Justice.
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