Headline after headline, undocumented students learn about more executive orders that criminalize them and hurt their ability to pursue their desired careers or open a pathway for naturalization. Though University leaders like President Carol Folt have voiced support for undocumented students, the University stated they will comply with immigration enforcement. 

It has become clear to students where the University lies in supporting them long term. The gap between commitment and action has been highlighted in the University’s recent statements and lingering support for its immigrant community. 

This contrast is even starker when you analyze President Folt and the University’s earlier advocacy efforts. 

In 2019, in response to the Supreme Court beginning to hear oral arguments on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals case, Folt tweeted, “@USC continues to stand in solidarity with our #DACA recipients. Dreamers are an irreplaceable part of what makes our school, our city and our country such an amazing place. #ProtectDreamers #HereToStay.”

“Here to stay.” which Folt mentioned, is a chant and symbol of resistance in the fight for greater support for undocumented youth. 

Later, in 2021 with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling on DACA’s legality, Folt followed up by stating, “USC remains committed to its DACA students, who are an integral part of our Trojan Family. Last week’s ruling brings a new wave of disruption into their lives. Together with our peers, we will strongly advocate for a permanent legislative solution for DACA recipients.” 

Years have passed since these two tweets, and situations have only worsened with Trump’s executive orders, yet the University hasn’t reassured its Trojan Family on its support for undocumented students like it did before.  

Folt’s support for immigrant students was also present during her tenure as chancellor of University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. During her time as chancellor, she signed a letter asking President Trump to “lift the cloud of fear” for DACA students. USC was among one of the 600 colleges and universities that signed a letter to President Trump as support for undocumented students. 

Folt’s and USC’s previous support for this cause demonstrates how both parties have been integral parts of supporting DACA students. However, students are still awaiting similar actions from Folt and USC in response to more recent attacks on undocumented students.

Undocumented scholars have always persisted and been a part of the Trojan Family. Their presence is known from the moment they apply, from selecting their citizenship status on the Common App to navigating financial aid with the University’s full awareness of their circumstances. 

USC admissions and enrollment policies state that immigration status will not affect a student’s acceptance or tuition. This stance comes with a responsibility to ensure every student admitted is truly supported not only in words but also in action. 

The Gould School of Law Immigration Clinic has presented unwavering support for impacted students through offering confidential counseling and emergency funds. Additionally, they’ve hosted various “know your rights” workshops dedicated to impacted immigrant students. 

Since 2011, student organizations formerly known as Improving Dreams, Education, Access, and Success — also known as the Undocumented Trojan Success Assembly — have advocated for a dedicated Dream Center through petitions, town halls and letters to the President Folt. Although there is the First Generation Plus Success Center, there is still an absence of a Dream Center — a dedicated resource and community space purely for undocumented students. 

As the fight for a Dream Center stretches into its fifth year, students continue to navigate anxiety, uncertainty and the threat of enforcement. The question remains: Will USC uphold their standard of support to undocumented students? 

The absence of the Dream Center shows a lack of the University’s affirming spaces for undocumented students to access resources, build community and receive individualized support for the unique challenges they face. Even as the University has renovated campus spaces, undocumented students are left waiting for the University to match their commitment supporting a resource space for them. The University’s commitment to fostering undocumented students with the Trojan Family is clear in policy, but follow through remains incomplete.

With recent attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion, the University has changed their DEI policies to a community-based approach. The University has demonstrated that it will comply with federal policies under pressure. 

When the University admits undocumented students, they are taking responsibility to support their integration to USC. This all to say, undocumented students have already waited far too long for meaningful support, and with federal funding under attack it is unacceptable for the University to continue delaying action.

Heydy Vasquez is a junior writing about the lack of support for undocumented students on college campuses. Her column, “UndocuTales,” runs every other Thursday.