We applaud the Supreme Court’s decision to reject the Trump administration’s effort to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) program that impacts approximately 650,000 recipients.

Warner Pacific University supports and stands with the courageous, brilliant, and industrious DACA recipients and their families. As the first (and so far only) four-year Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) in Oregon, WPU’s faculty and staff serve dozens of students whose families are impacted by this decision. We know DACA recipients and their families make up an important and productive segment of our city and state, and we are better because of their significant contributions to our community.

As a Christ-centered higher education institution committed to investing in the formation and success of students from diverse backgrounds, Warner Pacific University stands on a Biblical mandate to demonstrate care, hospitality, and protection for the most vulnerable in our society.

We know these are complicated issues, yet it is incumbent on us to speak up for those who are impacted by the policies and processes perpetuating injustice.

“While this Supreme Court ruling provides relief for our students, friends and neighbors who rely upon DACA, we remain hopeful for and committed to a permanent solution through the passing of the American Dream and Promise Act that will fully resolve this matter,” said Warner Pacific President Andrea P. Cook.

We urge our government officials and the Supreme Court to continue to uphold the lawfulness of DACA in the future, which provides protection for recipients and their families, and we continue to urge members of Congress to pass permanent legislation to provide students, their family members, and our neighbors a pathway to citizenship.