Resources for Undocumented College Students

When we consider safety for undocumented students on college and university campuses, we are not only thinking about the dangers that law enforcement and immigration enforcement present, but also the importance of cultivating an environment in which undocumented students feel supported and have allies.

When it does come to interactions with immigration and law enforcement, it’s important that undocumented students are aware that Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) often visit campuses to check up on international (F-1 and J-1) students. These visits are commonplace, and colleges and universities are generally well-prepared to handle them. That said, there are guidelines and legal restrictions for ICE visits to campus, even legal ones, and it’s critically important that all university faculty and staff, as well as undocumented students, are aware of their rights when interacting with law enforcement.  

Colleges and universities should be prepared for all interactions with immigration and law enforcement officers and have processes in place that keep undocumented community members safe. Faculty and staff should be informed of this protocol and trained to understand the realities that undocumented individuals face through “UndocuAlly” trainings.  

One way undocumented students and allies have mobilized around campus safety is by advocating for what is called a “sanctuary campus.” While the intent of the sanctuary campus movement is for colleges and universities to adopt policies specifically to protect undocumented people on campus, it’s important to remember that “sanctuary campus” is not a legally enforceable term. As a result, it’s critical to push for specific policies on campus that will help to keep undocumented students and community members safe. You can read more about the sanctuary campus concept in the section, Advocacy Resources for College & University Students.

 

Resources:

Know Your Rights

• Informed Immigrant’s Know Your Rights Guide

Community and Ally Support

• TheDream.Us UndocuAlly Training
• Understanding the Sanctuary School and Safe Zone Movement by Immigrant’s Rising

Interacting with Law and Immigration Enforcement

• The Presidents’ Alliance FAQs for Campuses on Immigration Enforcement & Site Visits

Organizing and Protesting

• Resources from the Movement for Black Lives including:
  • End the Demilitarization of Law Enforcement, Including Law Enforcement in Schools, College Campuses, and Medical Facilities.
• Divest from Police Campus Toolkit
• Guide for For UndocuLeaders Participating in Protest by United We Dream
• Planning to Protest? Know Your Rights As an Immigrant by Boundless

The realities of the COVID-19 pandemic have changed the landscape of education, at least temporarily. While some students are still attending school in person or living on campus, a huge percentage are learning from home. We know that many students may not have the ideal study atmosphere at home or are wrestling with other responsibilities including working or taking care of family. 

 

Resources

Online Learning

• Resources for Immigrants During the Coronavirus Crisis by Informed Immigrant
• Adjusting to Online College: 10 Tips for First-Timers by The Best Schools
• 5 Things You Need to Get Ready for Virtual School by Florida Virtual School 
• 8 Tips for Middle and High Schoolers to Get Started in Online School by Connections Academy

Applying to College During the COVID-19 Pandemic

• Applying to College During Covid: What Parents and Students Should Know from the Wall Street Journal
• Applying to College During the Pandemic? Here is some advice from admissions officers from the New York Times

As an undocumented person, it can be challenging to find mental health resources and professionals that can relate to you and your experience. If the mental health provider(s) at your high school, college, or university are not knowledgeable about the unique circumstances and challenges that undocumented students face, Informed Immigrant has created a guide–written by current and formerly undocumented mental health professionals–that you, a friend, or a trusted adult could share with to help educate them. Access it here. 

 

Resources: 

• Mental Health: Taking Care of Yourself and Loved Ones by Informed Immigrant
• How to Support Undocumented Students’ Mental Health: Dealing with Trauma and Anxiety
• UndocuBlack’s Mental Wellness Initiative
• UndocuHealth Initiative from United We Dream
• Immigrants Rising’s Mental Health Center
• Mental Health Resources from Latinx Therapy
• Hope Center for Wellness Resources for the Community
• Top 10 COVID-19 Anxiety Reduction Strategies by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America

Whether or not you are undocumented, there are ways for you to make a living and earn an income including becoming an entrepreneur or setting up an LLC and working as a consultant. Regardless of your reason for working–to support your family, to put yourself through college, or to take the first steps towards your career after graduating– we collected resources to help students and graduates set themselves up for success.

NOTE: If you are not eligible for a social security number (i.e., you are undocumented), you will need an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) to pay federally required taxes on your earned income. In some circumstances, ITINs can also be used for things like opening bank accounts or taking out loans

Resources:

• Immigrants Rising’s Spark – Learn how to leverage your skills, knowledge, and experience to make money through freelancing or starting your own business.**We strongly advise anyone considering an LLC to seek guidance from an attorney regarding any potential immigration consequences