Marymount University President Irma Becerra joined national leaders in higher education, immigration advocacy and public policy on May 1 for an insightful discussion on the challenges facing undocumented students, Dreamers and DACA recipients.
The event, “Status of Dreamers and DACA Recipients: A Forum,” was hosted by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) in Washington, D.C., immediately following the organization’s 30th National Capitol Forum on Higher Education.
Following opening remarks from HACU President and CEO Antonio Flores, President Becerra served as moderator for the panel on “Perspectives of College and University Presidents and CEOs across the Nation on Immigration Reform,” which explored the pressing need for legislative solutions and campus-level advocacy to support undocumented students. Panelists included Dr. Miriam Feldblum, president and CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration; Gaby Pacheco, president and CEO of TheDream.US; and Thomas Saenz, president and general counsel of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF).
In her introductory remarks, President Becerra emphasized the importance of recognizing the resilience, excellence and contributions of Dreamers and DACA recipients, many of whom remain caught in a state of uncertainty due to a lack of permanent federal protections.
“As President of Marymount University, I’ve seen firsthand the courage and potential of our Dreamer students,” she said. “Even as they demonstrate academic excellence and deep commitment to their communities, they continue to live in limbo. Despite the protections offered by DACA and the efforts of many advocates, we still lack a permanent legislative solution. That leaves hundreds of thousands of young people with their dreams deferred.”
President Becerra also highlighted Marymount’s status as Virginia’s first and only Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), with 43 percent of undergraduates identifying as Hispanic. The University is also a longstanding partner of TheDream.US, providing support for Dreamer students as they pursue a values-driven, life-changing education.
Throughout the panel, President Becerra asked speakers about the legal outlook for DACA, the priorities of higher education leaders nationwide and the experiences of undocumented students on college campuses. The conversation touched on institutional best practices, advocacy strategies and the role of colleges and universities in pushing for meaningful change.
“As educators and leaders, we have a responsibility to uplift the voices of our undocumented students and ensure that our institutions are places of support, opportunity and hope,” President Becerra explained.
The forum also featured remarks from U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, U.S. Representative Delia Ramirez and representatives from the Embassy of Mexico. An additional panel discussion was held on best practices for protecting DACA students at the institutional level, and featured Dr. Donna Carroll, president of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU).
More information on the forum and additional resources for institutions and advocates are available here on the HACU website.
