Giving DACA Students a Chance at College

When President Donald Trump was elected in 2016, he took a hard stance on immigration. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is on the verge on ending, currently facing a federal court battle over its future. Many young people are uncertain about their own futures, wondering if they’ll be able to continue their educations once they graduate public school.

For one DACA student The Tennessean spoke to, however, the future is looking bright.

Andrea Chavez, 19, has been living in the United States since she was three years old. She arrived here from Mexico under DACA status.

Scholarships for DACA students

Even though DACA may have its detractors, there are those out there who still want to give young immigrants like Andrea Chavez an opportunity. One of those people is Michael Spalding, a Nashville doctor and philanthropist, and the founder of Equal Chance for Education.

His organization provides DACA recipients the resources they need to attend college through scholarships, and has become the second largest national scholarship fund for DACA students.

“I was really surprised that he was going to help us,” Chavez said of Spalding. “He was really welcoming, listened to us and asked about what we wanted to do and where we wanted to go to college.”

Equal Chance for Education gave Chavez the chance to attend Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee, where she’s currently a sophomore.

“We are a country of immigrants and that is what makes America great,” Spalding said. “This is not a political thing, this is a moral thing. This isn’t about being Republican or Democrat, it is about people’s lives.”

In-state tuition for DACA students?

Here in Tennessee, Governor Bill Haslam has expressed his support for providing in-state college tuition for young adults who were brought to the United States illegally at a young age. However, this legislation has only come close to being passed once, back in 2015. A similar piece of legislation earlier this year died in committee.

According to the article, in Tennessee’s upcoming August primary for governor, both leading GOP candidates oppose in-state tuition for DACA students. The two leading Democrat candidates support it.

Some background on DACA

Over the past few years, the issue of immigration has become increasingly divided. The DACA program ensures young immigrants who entered the country illegally as children may have access to college and a job. And although immigration remains a hotly contested issue, DACA has support on both sides of the aisle. The Tennessean points to a poll from Middle Tennessee State University, which showed support for DACA, as well as a Vanderbilt poll that shows statewide support for in-state tuition for DACA students.

Although the current administration announced the end of the DACA program last year, a court ruling has extended the program.

The Knoxville immigration attorneys at LaFevor & Slaughter work to ensure you know your rights and that they’re protected. We’re here to help our immigrant population of Tennessee. Call us at 865-637-6258 or complete our contact form to schedule a consultation with an attorney today.