Gov. John Carney tried to reassure undocumented students at Delaware State University Friday.
The students are recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA. It protects youth who entered the country as children from being deported - and allows them work and go to school.
President Donald Trump announced a phase out of the program earlier this week. Carney said he and other governors are calling on Congress to pass a legislative fix.
“I believe that the Congress has the ability and support, overwhelming support, if they are willing to work together to do the right thing for our country," he said. "Democrats and Republicans.”
Only DACA recipients those whose work permits expire by March 5th of 2018 can renew them. Those want to renew must submit requests by October 5th.
DSU Sophomore Indira Islas is studying to be a doctor. She said she’s afraid for her younger sister who now can’t apply for DACA. Applicants had to be at least 15 years old.
“She just turned 15, so she lost that opportunity and so that’s where my worry comes in, you know," she said. "What’s going to happen to her next? You know, will something going to come up in Congress before she gets to senior year because I don’t want her to struggle to get to college.”
DSU President Harry Williams said the school is working with the state’s Congressional delegation to advocate for the DACA program. He says school officials are also reaching out to the students to help them cope with the uncertainty.
