Joint Statement from Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll and Salem Public Schools Superintendent Margarita Ruiz on DACA Announcement

The statement below was jointly issued today by Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll and Superintendent Margarita Ruiz of the Salem Public Schools.

“We are disappointed by the decision to end DACA and know that it will have an impact on Salem kids and families, many of whom were already feeling anxious and fearful about their future. 

"For many of the kids in Salem covered under DACA, they were brought to this country through no choice of their own. America is the only place they have ever known and they consider Salem their hometown.

"Salem is a compassionate community where city and school officials are working together to prepare ALL students for academic and professional success. We value the diversity within our city and within our schools as a strength and believe deeply in providing every child in our community with the skills they need to become responsible family members, productive workers, and engaged citizens. Ending DACA makes this work harder, but we will not be deterred from providing all Salem children with the knowledge, skills and opportunity to be successful."