June 3, 2019 To the William Paterson community: The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on the American Dream and Promise Act of 2019 (H.R. 6), which would provide some protections to our students and those throughout the nation who are enrolled through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This legislation responds to President Trump’s call for legislation to protect Dreamers following his revocation of DACA in September 2017. As you know, I have frequently stated that it is my belief that we not only have a professional obligation but also a moral obligation to educate these students. This legislation has provisions for some undocumented students to earn lawful permanent residence in the U.S. along with a path to citizenship, while extending protections to those immigrants who were formerly covered by the Temporary Protected Status and Deferred Enforced Departure and who are now unsure of their status. The American Council on Education has established a webpage that provides information on this bill, in order to assist individuals in making their own decisions as to whether or not they support this particular legislation. As we may have students who are impacted by this legislation, I have attached the following link to the website for those who wish to learn more about it [https://www.acenet.edu/Pages/Protect-Dreamers-Higher-Education-Coalition.aspx]. At the top of the webpage, there is a link to contact your elected officials if you wish to express your opinion on this important issue. Sincerely, Richard J. Helldobler, PhD President
