University of California Faces Backlash Over Decision on Hiring Undocumented Students

UC Regents Put Plan to Hire Undocumented Students on Hold

After facing objections from the Biden administration and legal scrutiny, University of California leaders have decided to put on hold a plan to allow people without legal immigration status to hold campus jobs. The governing UC Regents voted to delay the implementation for at least a year, citing significant risks and legal concerns.

Impact on Undocumented Students

This decision has left approximately 4,000 undocumented students across the ten-campus system unable to hold campus jobs, including crucial paid fellowships and residencies needed for graduation or advanced studies. UC President Michael V. Drake stated that the university would seek other ways to support these students, such as increased "experiential learning" opportunities.

Challenges for DACA Recipients

The students, who are already attending UC as in-state residents, are part of the thousands of young people brought into the country as children who can no longer work legally due to legal challenges that have stalled new applicants to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA.

Legal and Activist Opposition

The plan to hire the students has been met with skepticism and legal doubts by university officials, with outside legal opinions and private calls from the Department of Homeland Security further raising concerns. Despite arguments from activists and legal scholars that hiring the students wouldn't violate federal law, the university opted to delay the implementation to study "numerous" legal considerations.

Reactions and Atmosphere

UC Regent John Pérez, a strong supporter of the plan, expressed disappointment with the decision to hold off, stating that he had never been more saddened by such an outcome. The governing board's decision to clear the meeting room of chanting activists, who were both protesting Israel's war with Hamas and advocating for the hiring of undocumented students, marked a tense atmosphere. The decision to delay the plan has sparked mixed reactions and fervent chants from students, highlighting the complexities and challenges surrounding this issue.