For Immediate Release: October 15, 2025
Contact: Fermin Vasquez at [email protected]
Washington, DC – Recently, the U.S. Department of Justice sent a letter to the University of Nevada, Reno, expressing concern over UNR’s support for undocumented students. UNR President Brian Sandoval, the former Republican Governor of Nevada, issued a statement in response, noting that the institution remained in compliance with both federal and state law and restating UNR’s “commitment in ensuring a respectful, supportive, and welcoming environment on our campus where all our students have access to the tools they need for success.”
The following is a statement from TheDream.US President & CEO Gaby Pacheco:
“At TheDream.US, we stand firmly with the University of Nevada, Reno, and President Sandoval’s reaffirmation that lawful, student-centered programs are vital to higher education’s mission. For more than a decade that TheDream.US has operated, we have seen how colleges and universities across the nation have upheld both the letter and spirit of the law – ensuring that all students, regardless of immigration status, have the opportunity to learn and contribute.
It’s critical that we differentiate between what the law allows and what political desires seek to impose. The law is clear: institutions can and should serve their students without fear or political interference. Academic freedom and student success must never be bullied or politicized.
As the examples of more than 12,000 TheDream.US Scholars in Nevada and across the nation remind us, when we expand opportunities and invest in talent – without discrimination – we strengthen our campuses, our communities, and our country. Talent knows no status, and Dreamers and every student deserve the chance to access an education and fulfill their potential.”
Read the related Inside Higher Ed article by Sara Weissman, featuring quotes from Gaby Pacheco of TheDream.US: “Trump Administration Targets Undocumented Student Supports”
Read the statement from the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, “Presidents’ Alliance Strongly Supports University of Nevada, Reno’s Commitment to Serve All Students”
TheDream.US is the nation’s leading organization supporting Dreamers at the intersection of higher education, workforce development, immigration, and advocacy. We’ve awarded over 12,000 scholarships to immigrant youth from 120+ countries and 45 states, with 4,500 graduates to date. We partner with close to 80 colleges in 20 states to provide scholarships, career support, and access to legal options that help Dreamers break through systemic barriers and achieve social mobility.
Through data, Scholar and Alumni stories, strategic partnerships, and targeted state and local advocacy, we work to expand equitable access to college, professional pathways, and permanent legal status. For more information on TheDream.US, visit www.thedream.us
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