decorative banner image

Statement from Commissioner Larry Pogemiller on President Trump's decision to end DACA


 

Below is a statement from Commissioner Larry Pogemiller, Minnesota Office of Higher Education, on today's decision by President Trump to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative in six months.

"President Trump's decision to terminate DACA benefits and protections for qualifying Minnesotans will prove to be, in my judgement, extremely short-sighted.

Fortunately, postsecondary assistance provided by the Minnesota Dream Act does not depend on federal law and will continue. As a state, we decide who our students are and who will receive benefits. Qualifying students will continue to pay in-state tuition at state colleges and universities and be eligible for the Minnesota State Grant program and child care grants.

DACA students didn't choose to come to Minnesota, but were brought here by their families as children. They are playing by the rules and working hard to meet their aspirations for productive lives. Their success is good for Minnesota employers and our state economy."

Since Governor Dayton signed the Minnesota Dream Act into law in 2013, over 1,300 students have received some assistance fulfilling their dream of a postsecondary education. Any Minnesota Dreamer who has questions and concerns about moving forward without DACA can call Meghan Flores at the Office of Higher Education at 651-355-0610.


Note: documents in Portable Document Format (PDF) require Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or higher to view.

Download Adobe Acrobat Reader