Mustang Community,
There are many challenges we are collectively facing as we navigate the complications COVID-19 has spurred on our community. We want to express continued support of our students, faculty, and staff who have the additional burden of navigating this reality as undocumented and DACAmented individuals.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a program that protects eligible undocumented people from deportation. In addition, DACA grants work authorization for two-year periods. Nearly 200,000 DACA recipients live in California alone. Some DACA recipients are Cal Poly students and employees. In September 2017, the current administration sought to end the DACA program, which resulted in multiple lawsuits challenging the program’s termination. In November 2019, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments to determine whether the current administration provided an adequate explanation for ending the DACA program.
It is anticipated that the Supreme Court will issue its decision sometime between now and June 2020. This decision may allow for the continuation of the DACA program, or it may result in the phase-out of this program. While there is a strong likelihood that DACA’s rescindment will be affirmed by the Supreme Court, we will not know the outcome and impact until it is announced. However, we know the decision could negatively impact many members of our community.
We recognize this is a tumultuous time for many of us and that this impending decision weighs especially heavily on our DACAmented students and employees, other undocumented students, students from mixed-status families, and their allies. We see you, and we are committed to ensuring your success at Cal Poly despite these challenges.
ASI Student Government is working in conjunction with university-wide efforts to ensure the campus is prepared to support our undocumented and DACAmented community after the Supreme Court decision is made.
Please visit the Cal Poly Dream Center for updated information and resources as this situation develops. Currently, direct immigration legal services are available free of charge to CSU students and employees. Attorneys are available to assist with general consultations, DACA renewals, and more.
Counseling services are available virtually for Cal Poly students 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling 805-756-2511. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides confidential counseling services to all Cal Poly employees and their families. Please call their 24-hour support hotline at 800-367-7474.
ASI Student Government is here to support you. Please reach out to asistudentgovernment@calpoly.
In solidarity,
ASI Student Government
Please see the below for a list of resources on the Central Coast:
CCC-USS
The Central Coast Coalition for Undocumented Student Success (CCC-USS) is a collective of advocates and educators that challenge anti-immigrant and oppressive ideologies, institutional practices, and everyday actions that threaten undocumented and historically marginalized communities.
805 Immigrant
Unites organizations to educate and organize immigrants and allies and to advocate for humane and just policies that advance the rights of all immigrants.
CAUSE
Central Coast Alliance United for A Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) is a base-building organization committed to social, economic, and environmental justice for working-class and immigrant communities on the Central Coast.
Importa Santa Barbara
Importa is a nonprofit organization authorized by the Justice Department to represent and provide legal counsel for low-income immigrants. To make an appointment, call 805-604-5060 or email importasb@gmail.com.
Allan Hancock College
A California public community college located in northern Santa Barbara County.
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Monterey
A faith-based, nonprofit social service agency providing aid to individuals and families in the four Central Coast counties of Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito, and San Luis Obispo.
Cuesta College
Located in San Luis Obispo County, offering classes at the main campus in San Luis Obispo, the North County Campus in Paso Robles, and the South County Center in Arroyo Grande.
Cal Poly Dream Center
Committed to offering a safe, inclusive space for all undocumented students, those from mixed-status families, and their allies.
Cal Poly UndocuAlly Working Group
The UndocuAlly Working Group at Cal Poly is comprised of faculty, staff, administrators, and students dedicated to creating an UndocuFriendly Cal Poly.
The Santa Barbara County Immigrant Legal Defense Center (ILDC)
An emerging nonprofit organization dedicated to recruiting and training volunteer attorneys to represent immigrants in removal proceedings and providing community education to help immigrants understand their basic civil rights.
Immigrants Rising
Founded in 2006, Immigrants Rising transforms individuals and fuels broader changes. With resources and support, undocumented young people are able to get an education, pursue careers, and build a brighter future for themselves and their community.
Undocumented Student Services (USS) at UC Santa Barbara
USS is committed to supporting undocumented students and students with undocumented family members at UC Santa Barbara.
In addition to educating yourself, ASI Student Government would like to provide the following opportunities to advocate for our DACAmented, undocumented, and mixed-status communities during this stressful time:
Local Level Advocacy:
1. Donate to the Undocumented Coalition of Student Success or the Cal Poly Dream Center!
2. Encourage members of San Luis Obispo’s City Council and County Board of Supervisors to support undocumented folks during this stressful time!
3. Forward this email to clubs and organizations you are a part of and encourage them to take part in these calls to action!
State Level Advocacy:
Contact your San Luis Obispo and permanent residence state representatives to pass AB 2972, which would require campus administrators to undergo UndocuAlly Training. Review the fact sheet for this bill. Don’t know your state representatives? Find them and reach out to them!
Below is an example message to use:
Hello,
The Cal State Student Association (CSSA) introduced AB 2972 by Assemblymember Limón which would mandate UndocuAlly Training for CSU, UC, and CCC administrators. With the impending DACA decision at the Supreme Court, we believe that this legislation is more important than ever.
I wanted to reach out today and ask if _______ would support the bill, and send in a letter of support to the Assembly Higher Education Committee through this portal. Please feel free to reach out to CSSA’s Assistant Director of Government Relations, Mary Washington, at mwashington@calstate.edu if you have any additional questions. Thank you, and I look forward to hearing your response.
Federal Level Advocacy:
Contact your San Luis Obispo and permanent residence representatives to pass Congressman Lou Correa’s Leave No Taxpayer Behind Bill. This bill would amend the CARES Act to make those with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) eligible for a stimulus package. Don’t know your congressional representatives? Find them and send them a message!
Below is an example message to use:
Hello,
CSU students are asking congressional representatives to support the Leave No Taxpayer Behind Act, which would amend the CARES act to expand eligibility for undocumented adults and children who contribute billions in taxes. The undocumented community is especially vulnerable during this crisis and needs to be protected as integral members of our society.
I wanted to reach out today and ask if _______ would support the bill to help protect undocumented taxpayers?
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing your response.
