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GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOLS & CAMPUSES TO PROTECT STUDENTS

Many have reached out for guidance around how to serve our immigrant student community. Below we provide some guidelines.*

EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS & PROTECTIONS

Constitutional Right to Education

All students, regardless of immigration status, have a fundamental right to public education (Plyler v. Doe)
Schools cannot discriminate based on real or perceived national origin, citizenship, or immigration status
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act protects equal access to education

Privacy Safeguards

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects student records
Schools cannot share personally identifiable information without parental consent or a valid judicial warrant
Educational institutions must verify legal authority before releasing any student information

Current Policy Context

As of January 2025, schools are no longer designated as “protected areas” by DHS
Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches remain in place
Schools must maintain student privacy while complying with valid judicial warrants

Institutional Responsibilities

Schools should develop clear protocols for potential immigration enforcement encounters
Staff training on rights and procedures is essential
Designated administrators should handle law enforcement interactions

Supporting Wellbeing

Actively work to cultivate inclusive, safe learning environments that foster belonging
Provide mental health support and resources
Partner with community organizations and legal services
Maintain (or develop) hybrid participation options for school events

*NOTE: For specific legal guidance or immigration matters, please consult with immigration attorneys or legal service providers.*

For more information, see — Guidance Regarding K-12 Schools’ Obligation to Protect Students and Their Information

IF YOU ARE AN UNDOCUSCHOLAR

Know Your Rights:

Right to remain silent (Fifth Amendment)
Protection from unreasonable searches (Fourth Amendment)
Right to education regardless of immigration status
Right to privacy of educational records (FERPA)
Right to legal representation

Key Actions:

Carry “Know Your Rights” card
Never provide false information
Do not run from enforcement officers
Request to speak with an attorney if detained
Keep copies of all important documents
Stay informed about current policies
Connect with support networks and legal resources
Develop a preparedness plan

*NOTE: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For specific legal guidance, please consult with an immigration attorney.* Harvard students should reach out to the Harvard Immigration & Refugee Clinic

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT—My Undocumented Life

IF YOU SERVE UNDOCUSCHOLARS

Understand the Following:

The distinction between public and private spaces: While public areas of schools, colleges, and universities (such as lobbies, parking lots, and bus stops) are freely accessible, private areas (like classrooms and offices) require a valid judicial warrant for immigration enforcement access
A valid judicial (not administrative) warrant is required to access private areas
Schools must verify legal authority before releasing any information
FERPA protects all student records regardless of immigration status
Parental consent is required before sharing any student information (for students under the age of 18)

Best Practices:

Don’t ask directly about immigration status
Maintain confidentiality of student information around disclosures
Signal allyship by displaying a butterfly logo in your office or class a space
Develop clear protocols for potential enforcement encounters
Document all law enforcement interactions

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW FACULTY & STAFF CAN SUPPORT UNDOCUSCHOLARS

TERMS & DEFINITIONS

UNDOCUMENTED
Someone who resides in the United States without current legally recognized immigration status.
DACA
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
TPS
Temporary Protected Status
MIXED STATUS
Individual with family members of varying legal statuses.

RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS

My Undocumented Life
My Undocumented Life is a website dedicated to providing an up-to-date array of resources and information for undocumented immigrants in the United States. The site focuses on sharing opportunities, news, and guidance relevant to the undocumented community on topics including navigating college access, scholarships, applying to grad school, applying for advanced parole, and much more!
The Higher Ed Immigration Portal
The Higher Ed Immigration Portal is a comprehensive digital platform that serves as a centralized resource hub for and regarding immigrant, undocumented and DACAmented, refugee, and international students in higher education. A standout feature is their 50-state interactive map showing tuition and financial aid equity for undocumented students. 
United We Dream
United We Dream is the largest immigrant youth-led organization in the United States, with over 400,000 members across 28 states, empowering young immigrants regardless of immigration status to advocate for dignity, justice, and policy changes. Amongst their many resources are included excellent Know Your Rights advice.

HARVARD STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

The HGSE Undocumented Student Affinity Group
The HGSE Undocumented Student Affinity Group serves to build support network for HGSE undocumented students and alums. We aim to provide a safe and brave space where students can share their experiences, concerns, and dreams. The HGSE Office of Student Affairs contact person is Andrea Le –andrea_le@gse.harvard.edu. Carola Suárez-Orozco –carola_suarezorozco@gse.harvard.edu serves as the faculty liaison for the community.
Harvard UndocuGraduate Collective (HUGC)
Harvard UndocuGraduate Collective (HUGC) is an emerging initiative bringing together undocumented graduate students across Harvard’s graduate and professional schools to build community, share resources, and create networks of support. HUGC aims to foster inclusivity, ownership, and belonging for and among undocumented individuals as part of the Harvard Graduate Student experience, while also educating the broader Harvard community about the challenges and contributions of undocumented immigrants.  Through collaborative efforts with existing resources and initiatives, HUGC strives to ensure that undocumented graduate students have equitable access to opportunities and can thrive in their academic and professional pursuits at Harvard and beyond. Students interested in connecting should reach out to student organizers undocucollective1@gmail.com or faculty liaison Professor Carola Suárez-Orozco – carola_suarezorozco@gse.harvard.edu. Learn more here.
Act on a Dream
Act on a Dream is Harvard’s Undergraduate home for undocumented, DACA, mixed status family, and other immigrant students & allies. Matias Ramos, the Associate Director, Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations serves as the primary staff contact for this student led group – mramos@fas.harvard.edu.

SUPPORTS

GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOLS & CAMPUSES TO PROTECT STUDENTS

TERMS & DEFINITIONS

UNDOCUMENTED

DACA

TPS

MIXED STATUS

RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS

My Undocumented Life

The Higher Ed Immigration Portal

United We Dream

HARVARD STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

The HGSE Undocumented Student Affinity Group

Harvard UndocuGraduate Collective (HUGC)

Act on a Dream

SUPPORTS

LEGAL SUPPORTS

PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORTS

FINANCIAL RESOURCES & INFORMATION

TO LEARN MORE

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