DACA, a policy created by Obama in 2012, defers action to remove from the country certain young, undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children.

Among the criteria, they must have arrived while younger than 16; be in school, have graduated from high school or been honorably discharged from the military; haven’t been convicted of a felony or significant misdemeanor; and are deemed not to pose a threat to public safety.

DACA allows them to live and work in the United States for two years, and they can apply for two-year renewals.

President-elect Donald Trump has said he would do away with Obama’s executive orders, and DACA is generally considered to be one.

As of Thursday, more than 400 college and university presidents had signed the petition.

Bounds’ spokeswoman, Melissa Lee, said NU’s president signed on behalf of the entire NU system.

Bounds said through a written statement: “DACA students are part of the University of Nebraska community, and I want them to know we stand with them. These young people have the same goal that most of us do — to create a better future for themselves and their families — and they are working hard to achieve it.”

rick.ruggles@owh.com, 402-444-1123, twitter.com/rickruggles