The University of California Merced offers an array of support programs to undocumented students, who make up a larger percentage of the student body than black students, according to a 2016 survey.
The College Fix reports that UC Merced offers financial aid, teaching jobs, and legal services to its more than 300 undocumented students, some of whom have received temporary “lawful” status under President Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, allowing them to stay and work in the country legally.
UC Merced “provides services and program that address the unique needs of undocumented students,” university official Alejandro Delgadillo told the College Fix. Other university in the UC system offer similar programs, and often coordinate their efforts and share resources.
University data from spring 2016 shows that 303 undocumented students were enrolled at UC Merced — nearly 5% of the undergraduate population — compared to 272 black students, and 728 white students. The majority of the undergraduate student body is either Hispanic (48.5%) or Asian (23.8%).
Immigration has become a heated issue in the 2016 presidential campaign. Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton has pledged to expand on President Obama’s immigration reforms through executive action, while Donald Trump has repeatedly promised to build a “big, beautiful wall.”
First Lady Michelle Obama gave the commencement address at UC Merced in 2009.