The University of Maryland is extending the position of “Undocumented Student Coordinator” for another year.
The position has been a temporary role since 2017 and was first created when a student activist coalition called ProtectUMD made a list of 64 demands to help minority students on campus cope with the results of the 2016 presidential election. The creation of the “Undocumented Student Coordinator” position was one of their demands.
The position was created “as part of the university’s ongoing commitment to undocumented students” and to “address the immediate needs of the undocumented student population,” according to UMD Chief Communications Officer Katie Lawson. The staffer will advise Dreamers on their legal status, give financial suggestions, and emotional aid.
Student Affairs Assistant Vice President Warren Kelley described the immigration situation “as volatile as ever” when explaining why the position would be extended.
A UMD staffer will “provide resources and guidance” to an estimated 100 illegal immigrant students who attend UMD, according to the Diamondback. Various local news outlets estimate the position’s salary to be in the $50,000-$55,000 range.
Earlier in March, the school’s student government voted without opposition to call on the school to make the position permanent.
Since 2013, certain illegal immigrant students in Maryland have been eligible to receive in-state tuition rates.
According to Campus Reform, other institutions such as Georgetown University, the University of California, Loyola University of Chicago, and DePaul University have taken similar steps to help illegal immigrant students.
Alexander James is a contributor to Red Alert Politics and a freelance journalist.
