The confusion swirling for the past two years around our federal government's immigration policies has left many of the undocumented members of our campus community — students, staff, and faculty — unsure of their place here. Not knowing what the future holds, not only for them, but for their families and friends, too, has been unsettling.
We write to let the undocumented members of our community know there is nothing ambiguous about our support for you. We are proud of your efforts, recognize your contributions to campus and to society, and will do all in our power to support you. You do not stand alone. Our campus is built on an ethos of social justice, and nothing is more just than equal access to educational attainment and employment. Our Principles of Community clearly lay out our commitment: We value diversity in all its forms. We are committed to due process. We believe deeply in equal opportunity.
The University of California system is equally committed to the rights of all students and employees, regardless of immigration status, and it's important that we all know these rights. The passage of state Assembly Bill 21 in 2017 put several policies and procedures in place regarding immigration enforcement on public campuses.
Below, we've outlined various scenarios, and what to do in each instance.
1.If you are advised that an immigration officer is expected to enter, will enter, or has entered the campus to execute an immigration order, notify Pablo Reguerín, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Achievement, Equity, and Innovation, as soon as possible. Contact him at 831-459-2296 (after-hours at 831-428-2839) or via email at pgr@ucsc.edu.
- Any student, faculty, or staff who has contact with an immigration officer executing a federal immigration order should refer that individual to our Campus Counsel's Office for purposes of verifying the legality of any warrant, court order, or subpoena. Contact the office at 831-459-1848.
- If you are or believe you may be subject to an immigration order or inquiry on campus, Pablo Reguerín is again your best contact. Federal and state education privacy laws protect your records, as he is prohibited from disclosing your education information including immigration status to anyone, except as otherwise required by law. Contact him at 831-459-2296 (after-hours at 831-428-2839) or via email at pgr@ucsc.edu.
- For more information about your legal rights in an immigration enforcement situation, consult the UC Immigrant Legal Services Center or visit the "Know Your Rights" page on our Educational Opportunities Program website.
For a fuller explanation of UC's policies and procedures relating to undocumented members of our community, as well as for up-to-date immigration information, here are some good links:
- www.universityofcalifornia.edu/immigration
- UC's Statement in Support of Undocumented Members of the UC Community
- Frequently Asked Questions for University Employees about Possible Federal Immigration Enforcement Actions on University Property.
It is important to note that federal immigration agencies can and on rare occasion do enter campuses for non-enforcement activities, which can include recruitment and normal visa processing. The procedures detailed above relate only to enforcement activities. We have no indication that Immigration and Customs Enforcement is planning to come to campus.
