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UCSD Staff & Faculty Resources
Updated: Feb 12, 2025, 4:20 p.m.

Resources & Tips for UCSD Campus Community in Support of Our Undocumented and Mixed-Status Students

Undocumented Student Services at UC San Diego has compiled a list of resources and helpful tips to help our campus community successfully and confidently support students who identify as undocumented or from mixed-status families. Collectively, and supporting one another, we can help our undocumented and mixed-status Tritons overcome obstacles that arise from their immigration status to encourage personal and academic excellence at UC San Diego. 

Resources

Here are some helpful resources to support undocumented and mixed-status students through the uncertainty of the post-election period.

Recording: Know Your Rights for Staff, Faculty, and Champions of Undocumented and Mixed-Status Students

On February 4, 2024, the Undocumented Student Services team hosted the "Know Your Rights for Staff, Faculty, and Champions of Undocumented and Mixed-Status Students at UC San Diego" workshop via Zoom, and it was recorded for later viewing. Below is the link to the recording, and we encourage all UC San Diego staff and faculty to watch it if they were unable to attend or need a refresher.

This session provides essential information on the legal rights of undocumented and mixed-status students, outlines policies affecting them, and shares strategies for creating an inclusive campus environment. It also offers practical resources to help participants effectively advocate for and support these students.

Please note: In order to access the recording, you must log into your Google account using your Active Directory for UC San Diego.

View Full Recording

 

Triton Time Session on April 10, 2025

Join us for a training session hosted by our team, Undocumented Student Services (USS) at UC San Diego, designed for staff to better understand the resources and support available to undocumented students. Learn about key services, including flagship programs, financial aid assistance, legal resources, and community-building initiatives. This training will equip you with the knowledge to support undocumented students effectively and create a more inclusive campus environment.

FAQ for University Employees About Possible Federal Immigration Enforcement Actions on University Property

The University of California Office of the President understands that many members of the UC community are concerned about potential immigration enforcement actions that may take place nationwide. There have been inquiries regarding the possibility of such actions occurring at UC campuses. This FAQ is designed to address those concerns and offer guidance on how to respond if such a situation arises.

It is important to note that as Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policies and practices may evolve with the change in administration after January 20, 2025, the UC Office of the President may update this guidance as necessary.

For more details, you can access the full guide on the UC Office of the President website: Frequently Asked Questions for University Employees About Possible Federal Immigration Enforcement Actions on University Property [ENGLISH]

Preguntas Frecuentes para Empleados de la Universidad Sobre Posibles Acciones de Aplicación de Leyes de Inmigración Federal en Propiedades de la Universidad  [SPANISH]

Mga Madalas Itanong sa Mga Empleyado ng Unibersidad Tungkol sa Mga Posibleng Aksyon sa Pagpapatupad ng Federal Immigration sa Ari-arian ng Unibersidad [TAGALOG]

 

Know Your Rights if Approached by Immigration Enforcement Agents Cards

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

Having this card readily available can ensure that individuals are prepared and informed in the event of an encounter with immigration authorities. The card serves as a critical resource to help navigate such situations while safeguarding personal rights.

We are still waiting for the cards to be delivered to our space. For card distribution inquiries, individuals are encouraged to contact dlcastaneda@ucsd.edu to coordinate delivery once they arrive. 

For more details, you can access the full guide on the UC Office of the President website: Know Your Rights Card if Approached by Immigration Enforcement Agents [ENGLISH]

Know Your Rights Card if Approached by Immigration Enforcement Agents [SPANISH]

Know Your Rights Card if Approached by Immigration Enforcement Agents [TAGALOG]

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. Additionally, departments are encouraged to print their own Red Cards by IRLC, as they are free and available in multiple languages.

Explore the Undocumented Student Services (USS) Website

The UC San Diego Undocumented Student Services (USS) website is a comprehensive resource designed to support undocumented and mixed-status students. It provides essential information about consultations, available programs, events, services, emergency contacts, and more. Bookmark this site for quick and easy access to the resources and support you need!

To better support these students, we encourage faculty and staff to:

  • Learn about Available Resources: Familiarize yourself with the services and programs offered by Undocumented Student Services (USS), including academic support, legal resources, and mental health services.

  • Encourage Access to Consultation Services: If you know of a student who may benefit, refer them to USS for personalized consultations and support tailored to their needs.

  • Stay Informed: Participate in training sessions and workshops about supporting undocumented students, and encourage open, informed discussions that help break down barriers and misconceptions. We will regularly share event details on our website, so be sure to check for upcoming sessions and resources.

Bookmark: uss.ucsd.edu 

Legal Updates Page

We highly recommend bookmarking the Legal Updates page for the latest information on changes to immigration legal policies. This page also hosts seminar recordings from recent Know Your Rights workshops, available in both English and Spanish. Be sure to visit regularly for new seminar recordings on a variety of legal topics.

Additionally, the Legal Updates page offers valuable community resources focused on immigration legal rights and support. Stay informed and check back periodically for updates and new resources.

Bookmark: uss.ucsd.edu/about/legal-updates.html 

Undocu-Ally Training

UC San Diego's Undocu-Ally Training equips faculty, staff, and student employees with essential knowledge to support undocumented and mixed-status students. The training introduces key terms, concepts, and services available to these students, helping create a more inclusive and supportive campus environment.

This training is available to all UCSD employees through UC Learning, and we strongly encourage making it part of the onboarding process for new staff.

Steps to access the training: 

  1. Log-in to UC Learning using your UCSD credentials. https://uclearning.ucsd.edu/
  2. In the search bar enter: “UndocuAlly Training for Faculty and Staff”

Syllabus Statement

Faculty and staff are encouraged to include the following statement in course syllabi to ensure students are informed about the comprehensive support and resources available through Undocumented Student Services at UC San Diego. By adding this statement, you will help create an inclusive and supportive environment for undocumented students and those from mixed-status families, ensuring they are aware of the critical services USS offers.

Statement
Undocumented Student Services (USS) provides support for undocumented students and those from mixed-status families at UC San Diego. Our holistic services include guidance consultations, legal services, basic needs support, professional development, mental health resources, and community-building events. Through our legal services program, we offer free immigration consultations, legal advice, and representation for UC San Diego undergraduate, graduate, and Extension students, as well as their immediate family members (some exclusions apply). USS is here to help students navigate challenges  that may derive from their immigration status and succeed in their educational journey. For more information, visit the USS website (uss.ucsd.edu) or contact us at undoc@ucsd.edu.

USS Monthly Newsletter

Stay informed with the USS Monthly Newsletter, which includes important updates on legal matters and policy changes that may impact undocumented and mixed-status students, faculty, and staff. Moving forward, we will also focus on simplifying and clarifying policies to make them more accessible and easier to understand.

Be sure to take a moment to read each newsletter and stay up-to-date with the latest developments and resources. We’ll send out these newsletters regularly, so keep an eye on your inbox!

Please take a moment to register and read our previous newsletters to stay informed.

Immigration Emergency Help Numbers

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 team.

Immigration Legal Support at USS

Undocumented Student Services offers free immigration legal support for UC San Diego students and their families. Students can schedule consultation appointments with our USS Staff Attorney, Andres Lemons, or our Paralegal, Angelica Escobar.

To make an appointment, click here: https://ussappointments.as.me/schedule/2724627f

Learn more about our legal services here: services/immigrationlegalservices

Consult with USS Staff

USS staff are available to meet with UC San Diego faculty and staff to provide support in guiding undocumented students on a range of topics, including graduate school preparation, travel advice, legal rights, family concerns, and more.

For additional support, please email us at: undoc@ucsd.edu 

Helpful Tips

Additionally, here are some helpful tips to support undocumented and mixed-status students through the uncertainty of the post-election period.

What Students Should Know

  • The University of California welcomes and supports students without regard to their immigration status. UC will continue to admit students in a manner consistent with its nondiscrimination policy, considering applicants on the same basis regardless of their race, color, national origin, religion, citizenship, or other protected characteristic. Undocumented applicants, with or without DACA status, will be considered for admission like any U.S. citizen or other applicant. 
  • In-state tuition eligibility has expanded. AB 540, expanded by SB 68 and SB 1141, allows students to count years spent at a California Community College (CCC) or adult school toward eligibility for in-state tuition. It also enables completion of an associate degree or meeting UC transfer requirements to satisfy degree/unit criteria. SB 1141 removed the two-year limit on CCC credits. These changes expand access to in-state tuition and state financial aid at UCs.
  • California Dream Act is still in place. As underscored in a statement by Executive Director Dr. Daisy Gonzales, the California Student Aid Commission remains committed to protecting all students who share their information on the CADAA to the fullest extent of the law
  • Scholarships are always available. Immigrants Rising curated a list of national scholarships and fellowships that don’t require proof of U.S. citizenship. 
  • They are not alone and on-campus support exists. USS will continue to be a safe space where students can access confidential staff for support and engage with the community.

Mental Health Support

It's important to acknowledge and validate the emotions that students may be experiencing. Many of them may feel anxious, uncertain, or overwhelmed. Encourage them to focus on activities that bring them joy and peace. There is only so much that is within their control right now, but one thing they can control is ensuring they surround themselves with people and activities that uplift them and bring a sense of calm. If needed, remind them about the resources available through Couseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). We recommend the following professionals who are part of the team and may be of assistance. However, for urgent or immediate needs, please have them meet with any therapist who is available.

Please see the list of recommendations below:

  • Laura Bermudez, , Psy.D.
  • Roselee Ledesma, Ph.D.
  • Bryan Balvaneda, Ph.D.
  • David Diaz, Ph.D.
  • Kimberly Knight-Ortiz, LCSW
  • Sasha Llamas, LCSW
  • Araceli López-Arenas, Ph.D., MPH
  • Danielle Simien, LCSW
  • Haile Wright, LCSW

Use Credible & Reliable Sources

Remind students that news outlets and social media can often be spaces of fear-mongering and uncertainty. The effects of this election may not be immediately clear, and the new administration's actions will likely take time to go into effect. Encourage students to take a step back and remember that USS's legal team is a trusted and reliable source when it comes to understanding any policies or actions that get announced. If students ever have concerns or questions, they are welcome to reach out to our team for clarification and support.

Guidance Consultations

USS Staff are available to meet with students for guidance on a variety of topics, including graduate school preparation, travel advice, legal rights, family concerns, and more.

To schedule an appointment, please click here: https://ussappointments.as.me/schedule/2724627f 

Review the FAQ by USS

If you hear rumors, are asked questions you can't answer, or have inquiries about UC San Diego's actions to support undocumented students, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to help!

For more information, visit our FAQ Page by USS

All programs and initiatives coordinated by the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Life and its units are designed and implemented in full compliance with Proposition 209 and the University of California Anti-Discrimination Policy.

More information about Proposition 209 can be found here.

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