Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro joined California State University Chancellor Timothy P. White in expressing disappointment that the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program may be rescinded in six months, as was announced Tuesday in Washington, D.C.

Fresno State serves 25,000 students, including an estimated 1,200 DACA students. About 90 percent of Fresno State students are from the Central Valley and about 70 percent are the first generation in their family to attend college.

“As president of Fresno State, I stand with each and every one of our students, staff and faculty — including our Dreamers — and I will do all I can to help the people on our campus succeed,” Castro said in a letter to students, faculty and staff.

The Office of Governmental Affairs at Fresno State and Castro will continue to monitor information coming from the White House and Congress. The University is in regular contact with Congressional representatives Jim Costa, Devin Nunes and David Valadao and their staffs about the matter.

“It is now up to the U.S. Congress to move swiftly to pass bipartisan legislation that enables our talented Dreamers at Fresno State and across the nation to become part of the next generation of leaders in the U.S. and the world,” Castro said. “I am supportive of a long-term solution through the passage of the DREAM Act or similar legislation that establishes a pathway to citizenship and workforce development.”

DACA students and employees are encouraged to explore information recently posted on the CSU website to learn more about their rights, the potential effect of the DACA repeal and the steps the CSU is taking to assist with the completion of their educational pursuits.

The University’s enrollment and tuition policies are not based on DACA status so enrollment, tuition and financial aid for students is not impacted by the decision to rescind the program. Additionally, state funding under the California Dream Act is not based on DACA status and will not change.

According to Chancellor White’s system-wide memorandum, CSU employees who are impacted by this program’s revocation may lose their campus jobs as early as March 6, 2018. In response, President Castro comments, “I am optimistic that Congress will address the issue and remove this uncertainty quickly.”

Castro said Fresno State will continue to keep the campus informed about pertinent developments related to the DACA program.

“The University remains committed to its mission — to boldly educate and empower students for success — along with its core value of diversity, inclusion and respect for all,” Castro said. “As evidenced by Fresno State’s recent Washington Monthly ranking as the No. 17 university nationally, Fresno State is delivering on its mission better than ever before. We will continue to focus on the success of all of our students to position the Central Valley and California economies to grow and thrive.”

For more information about the impact on DACA students and employees, please read the following message from CSU Chancellor White. For Fresno State DACA updates, visit the Dream Success Center, and for programs and services available to students, go to Student Affairs online.