The latest reflection organized by Assistant to the President for Mission Integration Catherine Punsalan-Manlimos:
It was with relief and surprise that many received the news of the Supreme Court decision to block the Trump administration’s precipitous attempt to end DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals). DACA recipients and their allies throughout the country who have been living in fear and uncertainty for the past three years, including here at our own university, can breathe a momentary sigh of relief.
University of Detroit Mercy is proud of its DACA students and the many contributions that they make to our community. DACA recipients who graduated from Detroit Mercy are currently working as EMTs, teachers, attorneys, and more. One of our recent graduates from the College of Health Professions/McAuley School of Nursing has been serving on the health care front lines at Henry Ford Hospital. She works tirelessly to ensure that each patient is well cared for, and she accompanies patients when family is not able to do so.
It is important to remember that, along with concern for the well-being of our own DACA students and employees, as a Catholic university in the Jesuit and Mercy traditions we are called to “continue to accompany” DACA recipients and their families. Catholic Social Teaching upholds the dignity of every person, seeks the common good, and promotes a living faith that works for justice. The Sisters of Mercy consider immigration one of their Critical Concerns and are committed to “work for just and humane immigration laws,” recognizing the economic and social conditions that push many to flee their homes in search of a better and safer life for their families. The Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities’ statement regarding the June 18ruling declares unequivocally that “our work to protect DACA recipients is not finished. We remain committed to working with Congress and seek continued leadership from our Jesuit-educated alumni who serve in the House and Senate to do what is right and just: to vote for a clean DREAM Act.”
There is a long and rich body of teachings from the Catholic social tradition, including the contributions of the Sisters of Mercy and the Society of Jesus, for us to explore as a university to ground our commitment to be in solidarity with immigrants who join our community. The links above are only examples of statements and teaching guides that come from this tradition. The Office of Mission Integration looks forward to sharing more of these resources in the new academic year.
In solidarity,
Catherine Punsalan-Manlimos