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SSOM students in attendence at the white coat ceremony

DACA

Stritch pioneers the education of DACA physicians-in-training

In the Jesuit tradition of advocating for social justice, Stritch School of Medicine was the first medical school in the U.S. to openly admit DACA students. Additionally, we believe it is in the medical profession's interest to maintain a diversity of physicians and physician-scientists who reflect an increasingly culturally- and ethnically-rich society. As of May 2023, we are proud to have conferred Doctor of Medicine degrees to 38 DACA-eligible individuals.

While students may apply for admission as they pursue DACA status, matriculation requires confirmation of deferred action from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

What is DACA status?

On June 15, 2012, President Obama announced the creation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to allow some young people classified as undocumented immigrants to receive a two-year, renewable authorization to remain and work in the United States. Often called “DREAMers” after the proposed federal legislation, the DREAM (Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors) Act, these individuals came to the United States as children and have attended school and grown up in this country. They are Americans in every sense of the word except they lack citizenship status.

More information about DACA

  1. The dignity and worth of every person calls us to steward the talents of qualified applicants rather than reject their potential contributions for arbitrary reasons. Typically, individuals who meet DACA criteria are community members who want to contribute to those communities – and beyond. The Stritch approach echoes a long tradition articulated by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops of advocating for immigrants. (2) (3) (4)
  2. Medical school graduates with DACA status will be eligible for a state license to practice medicine and pursue residency. Medical schools must evaluate DACA students based on their qualifications and potential.