The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities held the Forum “Status of Dreamers and DACA Recipients,” on May 1, 2025, in Washington, D.C, in person and virtually following HACU’s 30th National Capitol Forum on Higher Education at the Hilton Washington DC Capitol Hill.
HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores delivered Opening Remarks. The Forum included Congressional messages from U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and U.S. Representative Delia Ramirez (IL-3). Carmen Morales, counselor and head of Hispanic & Migration Affairs from the Embassy of Mexico to the United States delivered special remarks.
The panel “Perspectives of College and University Presidents and CEOs Across the Nation on Immigration Reform,” discussed challenges faced by undocumented immigrants, particularly Dreamers and DACA recipients, as their status remains in limbo. Moderated by Irma Becerra, Ph.D., president of Marymount University, the panel included Miriam Feldblum, Ph.D., 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.
The panel “Protection of DACA & Dreamers: Best Practices at College and University Campuses Across the Nation,” featured higher education leaders discussing how institutions are coping with recent immigration policies and practices affecting Dreamers and DACA students. Moderated by David Mendez, Ph.D., senior vice president for planning and advancement for HACU, the panel featured Donna Carroll, Ed.D., president of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities; Daniel Lopez, Ph.D., president of Harold Washington College; and Diana Z. Rodriguez, Ed.D., chancellor of San Bernardino Community College District.
The Forum concluded with Lena Rodriguez, Ph.D., HACU’s executive vice president for policy and government relations, President Lopez, and HACU President and CEO Flores, summarizing conclusions and consensus on next steps supporting and protecting Dreamers and DACA recipients in higher education.
A summary of proceedings will be distributed to participants and others concerned with the plight of undocumented students at later date.
A list of resources is available online.