Colorado State University has affirmed its support for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program by joining a call from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities to urge Congress to resolve the issue in a bipartisan manner.

The Colorado State University System signed a letter coordinated by the American Council on Education and other major higher education associations representing a broad range of institutions and groups at U.S. colleges and universities.

The letter — addressed to House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell, and Senate Minority Leader Sen. Charles Schumer – states:

“As students return to campus for a new academic year, our institutions are keenly aware of the two-year anniversary of the rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy. We believe it is long overdue for Congress to pass bipartisan legislation, in both the House and Senate, to provide permanent protection for Dreamers – young, undocumented, high-achieving individuals brought to our country as children.

We understand the Supreme Court will soon be considering DACA. But regardless of the Court’s decision, legislative action will remain necessary. The issue should be solved on a permanent basis by Congress. We respectfully urge you to come together on a bipartisan basis to address this challenge by doing the right thing for these outstanding young people and for our country.”

CSU President Joyce McConnell supports the CSU System’s signing the letter.

“As a land grant institution, Colorado State University is committed to access for all to an excellent education,” McConnell said. “Dreamers deserve to have their opportunity to attend classes and earn their degrees. It is up to the U.S. Congress to find a way forward on this critical matter.”

The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments regarding DACA Nov. 12.