Supreme Court Decision on DACA and University Resources

Apr. 23, 2020

This message was sent to students, faculty and staff at the University of Nevada, Reno.

To the Members Our University Community,

A ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is expected to be released very soon. Even as we face a time of unprecedented uncertainty and disruption because of the outbreak of COVID-19, the University continues to fully support students and their families who have DACA status.

Along with other administrators in higher education throughout Nevada and our country, we have expressed our support for our DACA students, and have urged Congress to find a solution that will lead to the safety, well-being and security for our immigrant populations who are living and learning in our country. We have further urged the President of the United States to defer any action until Congress is given time to properly address this important issue. This is especially important now. We face a pandemic and we have a number of people currently living under the protections afforded by DACA who are working in essential occupations and businesses during this time of crisis.

We therefore are encouraging our University’s DACA recipients to renew their DACA before a Supreme Court decision is made. Although we cannot predict what the Supreme Court’s decision will be, it is imperative that DACA recipients move swiftly in getting this done. The University is offering a number of resources to help with this process.

Since 2016, Jahahi Mazariego, LSW, Social Services Coordinator and part of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX, has supported students and their families by coordinating campus and community resources. We want to remind you of this invaluable campus resource, as well as to inform you of an upcoming NSHE Virtual Town Hall on DACA issues, featuring NSHE Chancellor, Thom Reilly, Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at 4 p.m. Details on how to attend will be forthcoming from NSHE. Students, employees and community stakeholders are encouraged to submit questions prior to or during the live event.

Student support services

Below are several resources to further support students and their families relating to immigration concerns:

Campus Support

Social Services Coordinator, Jahahi Mazariego, LSW, supports students and their families by coordinating campus and community resources such as housing, food, legal, and mental health. To schedule an appointment, please call or email at the contact information below. Contact Jahahi at jmazariego@unr.edu and (775) 784-1547.

University Counseling Services

Students in need of Counseling Services can call (775) 784-4648 and an urgent care appointment via phone or teletherapy for that same day will be made based on availability.

Crisis Support Services

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides, 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Phone: 1-800-273-8255; Text message: Text HOME to 741741

Social and Cultural Support

The Center: Every Student. Every Story. has historically provided support to all students from culturally diverse backgrounds including students who are undocumented and students with DACA status. If you need support and would like to talk to a coordinator please email thecenter@unr.edu.

NSHE Support

Free DACA Renewals

DACA recipients are encouraged to renew their DACA if it is set to expire by the end of this year. The UNLV Immigration Clinic is providing free DACA renewals for DACA recipients living in Nevada. To schedule an appointment with an immigration attorney, please follow the link below. If you have trouble accessing internet or a printer we encourage you to connect with Jahahi Mazariego for additional support.

To schedule an appointment to renew your DACA:

UNLV DACA Renewal Appointments
Email: immigrationclinic@unlv.nevada.edu
Phone: (702) 895-2080

To learn more about how COVID-19 is impacting immigrants in Nevada please visit, COVID-19 Updates on DACA & Immigration [external Google Doc].

NSHE All Access Committee

The mission of the NSHE All Access Committee (NSHE AAC) is to build a comprehensive state-wide support system for students who are undocumented, students with DACA, as well as immigrant students under other immigration statuses. Please read to learn more about renewing DACA in Nevada, NSHE AAC DACA Renewal Assistance in Nevada. For more information, please contact Amey Evaluna, at amey.evaluna@nsc.edu or Mariana Sarmiento at mariana.sarmiento@unlv.edu.

Statewide Support

The Nevada Immigrant Resource Guide [external Google doc] was created for undocumented, DACAmented and immigrant people living in Nevada since their immigration status prevents them from accessing public benefits. This resource guide highlights immigrants’ rights when accessing support during this crisis. We hope this guide encourages people to access the health resources without fear.

Sincerely, 

Marc A. Johnson
President