Valencia College students voice concerns about immigration

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Students packed Valencia College Kissimmee's campus Monday to meet with Rep. Darren Soto and Democratic House leader Nancy Pelosi, who discussed a wide range of topics from tuition assistance programs to student loan reform.

During the meeting, Pelosi received a phone call from newly appointed Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly. Students told Channel 9's Nancy Alvarez that they were concerned about immigration.

“There is an all-out fear and uncertainty when it comes to DACA,” a student said.

DACA stands for "deferred action for childhood arrivals.

Undocumented students protected by DACA openly spoke about how any changes to immigration laws could affect them.

“I'm here, a working citizen, paying taxes and willing to help as much as possible and hopefully one day, join the military,” said a student.

Pelosi reminded the students that President Trump has not said what, if anything, he'll do regarding more than 800,000 so-called “dreamers,” but vowed to fight for them if it came to it.

“We must be strong and smart to how we protect our people, but we have to protect our Constitution and values as well, and we can do both,” Pelosi said.

Valencia College leaders also spoke about their intentions to support undocumented students no matter what the future holds.

“We are in communication with students to let them know they have a home here at Valencia. They will not lose in-state tuition or scholarships issued through Valencia due to immigration status. It’s important to send the message (that) all students are welcomed here,” said Osceola campus president Dr. Kathleen Plinske.

Cox Media Group