University Advocacy
Stanford has actively supported the DREAM Act legislation since its introduction in 2001 so undocumented students could continue their education and apply for citizenship. The university also supports DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which has allowed undocumented individuals who entered the United States as children to remain in the country without fear of deportation. (We do not, however, require undergraduates to have DACA status to enroll or receive financial aid.)

University Statements
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White House announces new actions for DACA recipients, undocumented spouses
On June 18, the Biden administration announced expanded actions for DACA recipients who have resided in the U.S. for more than 10 years or are married to a U.S. citizen.
June 28, 2024
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Update on DACA program following 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision
A federal judge has once again ruled the DACA program illegal, but those who are already enrolled can keep and renew their status.
September 15, 2023
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Update on DACA program following 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision
A 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a 2021 decision by a Texas federal judge ruling the original Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program unlawful.
October 10, 2022
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Stanford comment letter in support of DACA
Stanford’s president submitted a comment letter to the Department of Homeland Security in strong support of codifying the DACA policy into regulation.
November 29, 2021
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Proposed rule on DACA
New proposed rule would fortify the DACA program.
September 30, 2021
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Stanford statement on DACA trial court decision
Stanford continues to stand in support of its DACA community following a trial court decision in Texas on the DACA program.
July 16, 2021
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President Tessier-Lavigne letter on immigration reform
In a letter to the chairs and ranking members of the U.S. House and Senate subcommittees on immigration, President Marc Tessier-Lavigne addressed immigration reform...
March 12, 2021
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Undocumented/DACAmented Executive Orders
Dear DACA and Undocumented Community and Allies, We write today on behalf of everyone in Student Affairs to join you in welcoming news of the Biden presidential memorandum on ...
February 18, 2021
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Update: DACA, travel ban
The new federal administration issued a directive intended to preserve and support the DACA program.
January 21, 2021
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Federal judge restores DACA program
Stanford welcomes a federal court decision in support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.
December 06, 2020
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The Supreme Court’s DACA decision
President Tessier-Lavigne and Provost Drell comment on the U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing the DACA program to remain in place.
June 18, 2020
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DACA resources for students
With a Supreme Court decision on DACA pending, Student Affairs provides updated resources and information for students.
June 11, 2020
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DACA and health care workers
Stanford’s general counsel co-authors a New York Times op-ed on the importance of DACA to health care providers amid the coronavirus pandemic.
April 02, 2020
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Update and resources regarding travel ban, DACA
Stanford provided the following update to its community on the executive order travel ban and the ongoing legal deliberations over the DACA program.
January 27, 2020
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Stanford joins amicus brief in Supreme Court DACA case
Stanford joined 18 other universities in an amicus brief supporting DACA in a case before the U.S. Supreme Court.
October 03, 2019
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Multi-university amicus brief filed in ongoing DACA litigation
Stanford joined in the brief, filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
April 12, 2018
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Stanford’s commitments to undocumented students
Provost Persis Drell addresses Stanford's ongoing commitments to undocumented students and those covered by DACA.
February 23, 2018
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President’s letter to congressional leaders in support of DREAMers
Amid continuing federal negotiations on immigration policy, Stanford President Marc Tessier-Lavigne sent letters to leaders of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, ...
January 11, 2018
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Further amicus brief filed on DACA
Eighteen universities including Stanford have filed a further amicus brief in support of DACA.
December 18, 2017
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Stanford, other universities file amicus brief in DACA cases
A group of 19 universities including Stanford has filed an amicus brief in court cases challenging the federal administration's decision to rescind the Deferred Action for ...
November 02, 2017
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Letter of colleges and universities to Congress on DREAMers
Stanford joined a letter from the higher education community urging congressional leaders to pass a long-term legislative solution to protect the country’s DREAMers.
October 19, 2017
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Supporting the DREAMers
Provost Persis Drell comments on continuing discussions in Washington over a congressional solution for the DREAMers, and Stanford's continuing efforts to support members of our...
October 11, 2017
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Letter to Congress from 57 university presidents on DACA
President Marc Tessier-Lavigne joined other leaders of AAU (Association of American Universities) institutions in a letter urging Congress to act on DACA.
September 07, 2017
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Stanford University statement on federal administration’s plans for DACA
Stanford University vigorously and adamantly opposes the shameful decision announced today to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This ...
September 05, 2017
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President’s letter to White House on DACA
Stanford President Marc Tessier-Lavigne sent a letter to the White House, encouraging continued support for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
August 31, 2017
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Higher education associations write in support of DACA
In a letter to the president, national higher education associations including those representing Stanford express support for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) ...
August 28, 2017
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An open letter on undocumented students
In an open letter in the Stanford Daily, President Marc Tessier-Lavigne and Provost Persis Drell reaffirm and discuss further the resources and commitments Stanford offers to ...
June 07, 2017
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Update on Stanford’s support for immigrant community members
As the challenges facing immigrant communities continue to be a focus of discussion both nationally and here on campus, we want to provide a brief update on Stanford’s efforts ...
May 10, 2017
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Stanford joins amicus brief opposing revised travel ban
A group of 31 American universities, including Stanford, has filed a court brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit outlining the harm to the academic ...
April 04, 2017
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March 16 letter from college and university presidents about “Dreamers”
More than 560 colleges and universities sent a letter to the president in support of the “Dreamers,” undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children.
March 16, 2017
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Stanford continues working to provide information, support to international and immigrant communities
As the federal administration pursues new directives on immigration enforcement and international travel, the university continues a range of efforts to inform and support the ...
March 06, 2017
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Feb. 17 letter to students from Persis Drell
Provost Persis Drell sent the following letter to students on Feb. 17, 2017.
February 17, 2017
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Stanford joins amicus brief opposing travel ban
A group of 17 American universities, including Stanford, has filed a court brief outlining the harm to the academic community from the Jan. 27 executive order.
February 17, 2017
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Feb. 16 amicus brief filed by Association of American Universities
Brief by Research University Association Describes Harm to Universities, Students, and Faculty, as well as to U.S. Higher Education and Innovation.
February 16, 2017
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President’s comments at Faculty Senate meeting of Feb. 9, 2017
Stanford President Marc Tessier-Lavigne made the following comments at the Faculty Senate meeting on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017.
February 09, 2017
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February 02, 2017
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Jan. 29 summary of principles on immigration issues
As events continue to unfold regarding federal immigration policy, Stanford leaders summarize the principles of the university's support for international and undocumented ...
January 29, 2017
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January 28, 2017
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Jan. 26 comments of Marc Tessier-Lavigne at Faculty Senate
Stanford President Marc Tessier-Lavigne made the following comments at the Faculty Senate meeting on Thursday, January 26, 2017.
January 26, 2017
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January 20, 2017
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December 01, 2016
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November 19, 2016
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November 09, 2016