DACA
The University of Kentucky is committed to student success. Our students are essential to the current strength of our University and to the future economic well-being of Kentucky. They are earning the degrees that employers want and our communities need. Their success is dependent upon creating a campus community where all students feel they are welcome and that they belong at UK.
That sense of community – and the success of our students – relies on four pillars: academic success, financial stability, belonging and engagement, and wellness.
During a time of uncertainty about their status, students who may be undocumented or registered with the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program may face particular stress and have specific concerns and questions.
Against that backdrop, these frequently asked questions (FAQs) are designed to provide information to the campus about DACA and the University’s response as UK seeks to ensure a welcoming environment and sense of community for all students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is DACA (or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)?
On June 15, 2012, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced that certain people who came to the United States as children and who meet several guidelines may request consideration of deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal. They are also eligible for work authorization. Deferred action is a use of prosecutorial discretion to defer removal action against an individual for a certain period of time. Deferred action does not provide lawful status.
How is the university responding to the uncertainty surrounding undocumented students?
UK is establishing a working group of faculty, staff and students to immediately focus on problem solving regarding undocumented and DACA students. We are connecting with local community organizations, and with other universities and higher education associations to address these concerns in a collective, collaborative fashion.
How has the university been supporting undocumented and/or DACA students?
The university is adding resources to this website to provide guidance to students regarding topics such as travel, ability to continue studies and other issues of concern. The university will continue to monitor events and refer students to the appropriate and available campus and community resources.
What is the university’s level of cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement?
All students at UK – regardless of background – are protected by strong federal privacy statutes. UK has been a national leader in the effort to protect student privacy and confidentiality. The university does not have a need to ask for the immigration status of any student nor do we keep a list. Moreover, President Capilouto was in Washington D.C., in December and met with members of Kentucky’s congressional delegation, where he repeatedly emphasized the essential presence of our diverse students, faculty, and staff in the creation of a diverse campus. Against that backdrop, he also spoke specifically about DACA.
Where can undocumented or DACA students receive support?
The Office of Student and Academic Life will refer all student concerns to appropriate campus resources:
- Bias Incident Support - To report an incident of bias and receive support please visit the website: https://www.uky.edu/vipcenter/content/bias-incident-support
- Counseling Center - Counseling Center (UKCC) in Frazee Hall is ready to assist as appropriate. Call 257.8701 or visit Frazee Hall, room 106 for an Initial Assessment (IA), M-F, 9am-3pm or visit their website at http://www.uky.edu/counselingcenter/
- The Office Academic Ombud Services - Supports and assists students with academic accommodations. Please visit their website at https://www.uky.edu/Ombud/
Where can I find legal help?
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is an excellent resource for locating attorneys: www.aila.org. Click on “Need a Lawyer.” In addition, the following resources may be helpful.
Maxwell Street Legal Clinic
http://maxlegalaid.kyequaljustice.org/Home
The following firms regularly do immigration law work for the University:
Dinsmore & Shohl
101 S. Fifth St., Suite 2500
Louisville, KY 40202
Phone (502) 540-2300 Fax (502) 585-2207
Or
255 E. Fifth St., Suite 1900
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone (513) 977-8200 Fax (513) 977-8141
Judith K. Jones- Toleman
Jjimmlaw@aol.com
PO Box 118
Lexington, KY 40588-0118
Phone (859) 396-7230
Stoll, Keenon & Ogden PLLC
Charles R. Baesler Jr.
Charles.baesler@skofirm.com
Stoll, Keenon, & Ogden
300 W Vine St., Suite 2100
Lexington, KY 40507-1801
Phone (859) 231-3944
Wyatt Tarrant & Combs
250 West Main St., Suite 1600
Lexington, KY 40507
Glen Krebs
(859) 288-7409
Firms located outside Kentucky:
Jeffries & Corigliano, LLP
1560 Broadway, Suite 914
New York, NY 10036-1537
(212) 764-4222
Ware | Immigration
3850 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 555
Metairie, LA 70002-1752
(800) 537-0179 Fax (504) 830-5909
Where can I find accurate information to learn more about DACA and related issues?
- The US Department of Education’s Resource Guide: Supporting Undocumented Youth
- NAFSA’s Resource page for International Student Advisors and Education Abroad Advisors
- Department of Homeland Security FAQ
- United We Dream Toolkit