Legal Updates

Updated: January 23, 2026, 10:00 a.m.

Immigration law is constantly changing, and navigating the justice system can be challenging, especially for the undocumented community. At Undocumented Student Services, we recognize that our students face significant challenges and require legal support. You do not have to face these obstacles alone. Our legal services program offers in-depth immigration consultations, expert legal advice, and representation to UC San Diego undergraduate, graduate, and Extension students, as well as their immediate family members (some exclusions apply). Learn more about our Immigration Legal Services Learn more about Immigration Legal Services here .

We hear you. We see you. We are here to support you.

Mental Health Support

We understand that navigating immigration news and legal resources can be emotionally challenging for students and their families. UC San Diego has trained mental health professionals available to help students through this process. For family, alumni, non-UC students, and community members, USS also recommends the following services:

UC San Diego Students

Family, Alumni, Non-UC Students, and Community Members

Below, you will find a variety of resources that can guide you in obtaining legal information from trusted sources. For the most up-to-date information on the UC system, undocumented students, and DACA, please visit the UC Immigration Legal Resources FAQ .

SB 98 and AB 21: Protecting Students on Campus

SB 98 (2025) and AB 21 (2017) are California laws designed to protect students and ensure that UC campuses remain safe and inclusive. These laws provide support for students who may be affected by immigration enforcement, including those who are detained or unable to meet academic obligations because of immigration-related events.

Chancellor Khosla has shared more information about SB 98 in this campus notice about SB 98 protections .

At this time, there are no reports of immigration activity on campus. If any activity is confirmed, UC San Diego will send an SB 98 notification via email with details about the time and location of the activity. No personal information will be shared.

DACA Update – October 28, 2025

There has been a lot of confusion recently about DACA, particularly regarding initial applications. The National Immigration Law Center (NILC) published a commentary explaining the current status of DACA and what to expect next.

For now, nothing has changed: DACA renewals remain open, and initial applications are not being processed.

Travel and Event Safety Reminder for Our Community

When attending events, especially in San Diego County, we encourage our community to stay informed and aware of their surroundings.

Please note that military bases and areas near them may have a higher presence of federal enforcement agencies, including ICE. Some events held on military bases or naval ports may require participants to present identification to enter the premises.

We recommend exercising caution when attending events or traveling through those areas.

Federal Judges Block Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship

U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman joined District Judge John Coughenour in blocking an executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship, ruling it unconstitutional under the 14th Amendment. The administration is expected to appeal, and the case may ultimately reach the U.S. Supreme Court.

Judge Joseph N. Laplante also ruled against the order. Legal challenges are expected to continue, and the current legal status of birthright citizenship remains unchanged while litigation proceeds.

Read the full news report about the federal court decision .

Know Your Rights Resources

Know Your Rights if Approached by Immigration Enforcement Agents

The University of California Office of the President strongly encourages undocumented students, staff, and faculty to carry a “Know Your Rights if Approached by Immigration Enforcement Agents” card in their wallet, purse, or another accessible location. This card, provided by the UC Immigrant Legal Services Center, outlines essential rights if approached by immigration enforcement agents.

Having this card readily available helps ensure individuals are prepared and informed in the event of an encounter with immigration authorities.

For more details, access the full guide from the UC Office of the President: Know Your Rights if Approached by Immigration Enforcement Agents (PDF) .

We encourage students to visit our space on the 5th floor of the Student Services Building (Room 555) to pick up Know Your Rights cards. Departments may also print their own Red Cards from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) , which are free and available in multiple languages.

Emergency Assistance for ICE-Related Issues

If you are a UC San Diego student and need urgent legal assistance, contact our in-house immigration attorney at (530) 219-8856.

Please reserve this number for emergencies only, such as if you are being detained by ICE or are at risk of deportation.

For non-urgent immigration concerns, please schedule an appointment with our immigration services team .

We Have Rights – Immigrant Empowerment Campaign

In 2018, Brooklyn Defender Services and the ACLU launched the We Have Rights campaign , a series of animated films that explain what immigrants should do when confronted by ICE in common situations.

The videos are available in multiple languages:

Know Your Rights Series Workshops

Understanding Military Pathways for Mixed-Status Families – November 13, 2025

Family Preparedness Plan – November 12, 2025

Know Your Rights: Responding to Raids and Protesting Safely – June 26, 2025

Know Your Rights for Undoc/Mixed Status Students at UC San Diego – March 11, 2025

Removal Proceedings Workshop – January 30, 2025

Removal Proceedings Workshop (Spanish Version)

Immigration Resources: Legal Support

Resources from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Resources from the Immigration Court

Resources from the California State Bar

Resources from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center

Legal Service Providers & Resources

Employment-Based Immigration Visa Information (H-1B)

The H-1B visa is a temporary nonimmigrant visa that allows non-U.S. citizens to work in the United States in specialty occupations. It is important to note that the H-1B visa allows a recipient to temporarily work in the United States for up to 6 years; recipients will need to re-enter the visa lottery after its expiration or apply for lawful permanent residence, both with the help of an employer.

The H-1B visa is available for professional-level jobs that require at least a bachelor’s degree or higher in a particular field. It is important that the type of degree and job match. For example, those with a bachelor’s degree in computer science should seek jobs in the field of computer science.

Employer cooperation is necessary in obtaining this visa as they are responsible for submitting various filings to the Department of Labor and USCIS on behalf of the employee. The employer is legally responsible for covering all legal and filing fees, with no charge to the employee. Approval from both the DOL and USCIS will then require the employee to return to their country of origin to apply for a passport visa to return with valid H-1B status.

It is important to note that there is an annual limit to the number of H-1B visas that can be granted. Since there are more H-1B applicants than visas available, the selection process for who receives one is based on a random lottery. However, those who are applying for H-1B status via a university/college or governmental or nonprofit research organizations are exempt from having to enter the lottery.

If you believe you or anyone in your immediate family qualify and/or would like to learn more about H-1B, please book an appointment with our legal team!

Resources:

How To Approach Your Employer For Visa Sponsorship - This resource provides guidance for DACA recipients and other undocumented Dreamers on navigating discussions with employers regarding work visa sponsorship. The Informed Immigrant team previously shared this resource, which is also available on the Informed Immigrant website in English and Spanish.
Understanding H-1B “Specialty Occupations” - This high-level explainer provides an overview of H-1B “specialty occupations” and outlines eligibility criteria, including degree relevance, potential equivalencies, and the importance of consulting an immigration attorney for guidance.
A Brief Overview of H-1B “Cap-Exempt” Employers - This high-level explainer explains the categories of H-1B cap-exempt employers, who are not subject to the annual cap on H-1B visas. It links to a more detailed Path2Papers resource on cap-exempt employers.

Social Support & Scholarships

From the National Immigration Law Center (NILC)

From Immigrants Rising

Blogs & Webpages

My Undocumented Life: blog provides up-to-date information and resources to undocumented immigrants.
UndocuProfessionals: Site with paid and unpaid opportunities for undocumented, DACA, and TPS students (scholarships, job opportunities)

In accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, the University of California does not discriminate, or grant preferences, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories.

More information about Proposition 209 can be found here.

More information about the University of California Anti-Discrimination Policy can be found here.

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Select an appointment type that best meets your needs. This appointment system is only for enrolled students, including incoming students. Non-enrolled prospective students, UCSD staff, and community members must email undoc@ucsd.edu for assistance.

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