Student Government Association Resolution

SENATE RESOLUTION 2024-2025-16

WHEREAS, undocumented, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) undergraduate and graduate students, and students from mixed-status families attend the University of Colorado at Denver;
WHEREAS, the term “undocumented” can be used to describe all immigrants who reside in then United States without legal status1;
WHEREAS, the term “mixed-status family” can be used to describe a family with members who have various immigration statuses2;

WHEREAS, DACA is a form of administrative relief that protects eligible immigrants who came to the United States when they were children from deportation. DACA provides undocumented immigrants with protection from deportation and a work permit. The program requires that DACA status and work permit be renewed every two years3;
WHEREAS, most undocumented students lack DACA protections, given the 2017 reversal that temporarily halted the intake of new applications, and that DACA is currently under threat in court, thus limiting their access to employment and creating a higher need for financial aid and institutional support4;

WHEREAS, the election of Donald Trump has created concern for the ability of undocumented students to continue residing in the United States and continue their education at the University of Colorado Denver due to his promise of “mass deportations” of undocumented immigrants with the use of military personnel5;

WHEREAS, undocumented students face unique challenges on the Auraria Campus, including but not limited to financial burdens, barriers to on-and-off campus employment, language barriers, securing housing, and increased stress and concerns related to safety, mental, and physical well-being for students and their families;

WHEREAS, the University of Colorado Denver regained its status as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) in May 2024, in alignment with the CU Denver’s larger goal to become an equity-serving institution to “make education work for all”;

WHEREAS, CU Denver has a responsibility to lead and exemplify how an academic institution should support all members of its student body, regardless of their immigration status, by offering adequate resources and ensuring a safe and inclusive environment;

WHEREAS, three laws exist in Colorado which detail the limits on state and local agencies; House Bill 19-1124, Senate Bill 21-131 and House Bill 23-1100. The three laws, respectively, “prohibit Colorado law enforcement from complying with federal immigration detainers, prevent state agencies and law enforcement from sharing certain personal information with immigration authorities unless compelled by the courts, bar state or local entities from contracting or paying for immigration detention facilities, and prohibit local jails from holding inmates solely at the request of ICE”6.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the administration of the CU Denver will publish a statement affirming the rights of all students including undocumented and other vulnerable students on the website www.ucdenver.edu, to be emailed to all students, staff and faculty. We also call on the administration to create a one-page document with information on the rights of undocumented students and a directory of relevant legal, mental health services, and any other resources on or off campus that may be of use to them or other vulnerable students. This document is to be posted in the North Classroom, the CU Denver Business and Education buildings, the Plaza building, Student Commons, the King Center, and other areas of high traffic;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, we call on the University of Colorado Board of Regents to affirm the rights of undocumented students, and affirm an intent of non-compliance with the United States Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement if asked to provide personal information of undocumented students, as is their right as an agency operating in Colorado and in alignment with the bills mentioned above;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, we call on the Faculty Assembly of CU Denver to affirm the rights of immigrant students and their intent of non-compliance with the United States Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement if asked to provide personal details of undocumented students as is their right as an agency operating in Colorado and in alignment with the bills mentioned above;

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, the CU Denver administration will organize a town hall or workshop style event for students, faculty, staff, and administrators of the entire Auraria Campus. Pending approval from the following offices, this will be in collaboration with the Student Government Assocation, the Center for Access and Campus Engagement (CACE), the Office of International Affairs, and other offices on the Auraria Campus interested in supporting undocumented students, to achieve the following (including but not limited to): discuss the current political climate, educate students on their civil and constitutional rights, provide opportunities for DACA renewals, provide legal support, and better understand how we can support our student populations in response to changes in immigration policies and legislation.