Sept. 1, 2017: The Colorado Department of Higher Education strongly supports continuation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This vital program has shielded thousands of young people from threat of deportation and has enabled many to pursue their education dreams. The vast majority of DACA recipients came to our country at a young age and identify as Americans. They are active members of Colorado communities, making strong contributions to our great state.

To our DACA students, we will fight to ensure our campuses remain safe and supportive environments. We believe all Coloradans, regardless of their country of origin, deserve the opportunity to contribute their talent and ingenuity to our state.

DACA and ASSET Resources

Since ASSET and DACA both affect Colorado’s undocumented youth, it’s easy to confuse the policies. Here’s how they impact one another:

• • • • ASSET is a state law that affects the cost of attendance at Colorado public higher education institutions only; it does not affect immigration status nor lawful presence.
      • DACA is a federal policy set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Department that allows qualifying young people to apply for a renewable, two-year period of deferred action and work authorization. DACA is set expire March 5, 2018.
      • Students who qualify for ASSET do not automatically qualify for DACA, and vice versa. A student may qualify for ASSET or DACA only, qualify for both or qualify for neither.