New Administration Acts Swiftly on Immigration Reform

Feb. 25, 2021
Federal Relations

 

The news from Washington is plenty these days, with the new Biden Administration introducing a series of political appointee announcements, Executive Orders, and a sweeping immigration reform bill in just the first few days. Of particular note to the University of Arizona is the Executive Order directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to take actions aimed at "preserving and fortifying" the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. In 2020, President Robbins commented on the Supreme Court Ruling that paused the Trump Administration’s deportations of DACA-status holders, reiterating UArizona’s strong support for our DACA students and employees: “The University of Arizona holds inclusion as a core value, and we are committed to providing an accessible, high quality education for students from all walks of life and from around the world. We are proud of our DACA students, who are an important part of the university community.” 

Federal Relations has long advocated for permanent protections for DACA eligible students and this EO is a first step by the Administration to offer protections. President Biden also released a comprehensive immigration reform package that offers an eight-year path to citizenship for the estimated 11 million people living in the U.S. without legal status. The White House has stated their intention to reverse a number of restrictions and changes the Trump administration made to H1B and OPT visa categories. Federal Relations is coordinating with UArizona Global and working with national higher education associations and immigration policy organizations to support and influence immigration reform in the 117th Congress.

Proposals due MARCH 31, 2021- The UArizona Washington, DC Center for Outreach & Collaboration (DC Center)

The University of Arizona Washington, DC Center for Outreach & Collaboration was established in 2020 to inform and convene leading experts from around the world in Washington, DC to extend the impact of UArizona research and scholarship to interested federal, congressional, and private sector stakeholders. The University of Arizona Washington, D.C. Center for Outreach & Collaboration will be the University’s front door in Washington where we will welcome elected officials, policymakers, influencers, and community stakeholders to enhance the visibility of the University of Arizona on the global stage. The 2021 Inaugural Annual Event will take place from Monday, September 20 through Friday, September 24 in the new office. Throughout the week we will activate the space with intelligent conversation, installations, demonstrations, networking receptions, and more to inspire audiences with stories and experiences from the University of Arizona. We want your ideas and proposals to help activate the space and highlight the innovative work across campus. Proposals must:

  • Be produced and supported largely by your college / department / unit

  • Demonstrate how “Wonder Makes Us”

  • Be relevant within the past year or forward-looking in nature

  • Attract a strategic and unique target audience in DC (not just alumni at-large). Target audiences could include federal policymakers (congressional and/or agency), advocacy organizations, think tanks, and non-governmental organizations working in federal and international policy, among others.

  • Be reflective of the university’s purpose and values

All proposals must be submitted via UA Competition Space no later than March 31, 2021. Please see UA Competition Space for proposal components, award information, review, selection, and timeline. Full Details