TACHE COVID-19 RESPONSE

Dear TACHE friends,

On behalf of the executive officers of the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education, we want to reassure you that despite the disruptions and uncertainties related to coronavirus (COVID-19), we stand with you during this difficult time as we experience unprecedented challenges in our personal and professional lives.

Throughout our history, our strength has come from our solidarity and the best way to overcome this current threat is to have a united front! Together, we will get through this. We must ensure that we are adhering to federal and state guidelines by engaging in sound health practices so that we may flatten the curve and do our part in putting an end to this pandemic.

As always, TACHE is here to represent you and your educational institution during this unusual time. It is important that we advocate for our students, faculty, and staff as higher education institutions move toward providing services remotely. I also call upon us to not forget to advocate and protect those most vulnerable in higher education: our custodians, groundkeepers, police officers and healthcare workers. These individuals are essential during these times and often, the most overlooked.

As we move forward, please do not hesitate to contact our TACHE headquarters if we can help in anyway. TACHE is here to advocate for our students, faculty, staff, and our most vulnerable essential staff regardless of their affiliation with our organization. Below are some resources that you may find helpful during this time of need.  Please share as needed: 

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov
• Texas Department of State Health Services: https://www.hshs.state.tx.us/coronavirus/ 
• Office of the Texas Governor (regarding Coronavirus): https://www.gov.texas.gov/coronavirus
• Informed Immigrant: https://www.informedimmigrant.com/guides/daca-coronavirus/#
• Betancourt Macias Family Scholarship Foundation: https://www.undocuscholars.com/
• Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative: https://www.houstonimmigration.org/covid19-resources/
• Dallas Community Resources During Covid19: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JjMUisaCYkU_XhC-abks1gS-IMddDH-Mo6wk5Xflr4o/edit
• Covid-19 Houston Resource Pack: https://www.cdrchouston.org/resources
• As of March 18th, USCIS suspended all routine in-person services until April 1st. 
• This means that all biometrics appointments will be rescheduled until further notice. USCIS will automatically reschedule appointments. If a new appointment is not received by mail within 90 days call 800-375-5283. It is encouraged that if you have not filed a renewal, to go ahead and file it as quickly as possible despite USCIS offices being closed
• “If you are undocumented yourself or have family members who are undocumented and have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic” https://www.undocuscholars.com/
• Free Internet from Spectrum
• Free broadband and WiFi access to families with children K-12 or college at no cost for 60 Days from Spectrum (Charter Communications). 

Daniel Villanueva, Jr. 

President, Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education 2020-2021