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Student Affairs and Enrollment Management

Resources for Undocumented Students

In light of recent events, there is a lot of misinformation about what rights immigrants have in the U.S., which can create confusion, anxiety, and a sense of instability. However, it is important to remember that CSU’s policy has not wavered.

The CSU's Policy

  • CSU enrollment and tuition policies are not based on immigration status and should not be impacted by anticipated Executive Orders.
  • State funding available under the California Dream Act is based on residency rules, not immigration status.
  • The CSU will not release immigration status or related information in confidential student records to federal agencies or other parties without a judicial warrant, a subpoena, a court order, or as otherwise required by law.
  • CSU is committed to assuring an environment where all members of our university community are not hesitant or afraid to come forward or interact with our University Police Departments (UPD) for fear of intervention by ICE.
  • The primary jurisdiction for enforcement of federal immigration laws concerning unlawful entry into the United States rests with ICE.
  • There is no connection between the TPM policy and immigration enforcement actions taken by federal or other agencies external to the CSU.
Learn more about CSU resources

Know Your Rights

The regional Immigrant Legal Resource Center’s (ILRC) Know Your Rights Red Card, which is designed to help individuals communicate their rights in encounters with immigration officials.

You can download it below in several languages, or obtain a free card in the Dream Success Center, the Library, the Latinx Affinity Room in the Cross Cultural and Gender Center and the welcome center of the Resnick Student Union.
Download your red card

Guidance for employees who may need to interact with immigration enforcement officers

CSU is a public university and a large portion of CSU property is open to the general public. The areas on campus that are open to the general public, like the campus quad and walkways, are also open to federal immigration enforcement officers. However, immigration officers cannot enter areas that are not open to the general public, such as residence halls, classrooms while class is in session, confidential meeting rooms and spaces, or employee offices unless the officer presents a valid judicial warrant or declares that exigent circumstances exist. Exigent circumstances are emergency situations that would allow immigration officers to enter a location without a judicial warrant. For more information, refer to the FAQs for CSU employees.

If an immigration enforcement officer approaches you to gain access to a nonpublic area of the university campus, or to obtain confidential student or employee records, do not voluntarily grant access. Respectfully let the officer know that you are not obstructing their process, but that you must contact Dean Stevenson to receive direction.

If immigration enforcement officers declare exigent circumstances, or enter nonpublic spaces without permission, do not interfere or obstruct them. Immediately contact Dean Stevenson. 

If Dean Stevenson is not available, contact Lieutenant Madrigal (559.278.8400).

  • The officer’s credentials and contact information
  • Names of all school personnel who communicated with the officer 
  • Details of the officer’s request 
  • Whether the officer presented a warrant or subpoena to accompany his/her request, what was requested in the warrant/subpoena, and whether the warrant/subpoena was signed by a judge; 
  • Your response to the officer’s request; 
  • Any further action taken by the officer; and 
  • Photo or copy of any documents presented by the officer

Share your notes and any photos/copies of documents you obtained.

Download a printable version of the above guidelines.

 

Guidance for students and employees personally impacted by enforcement

Get free legal advice now and plan how to respond to potential immigration enforcement encounters. Learn more about scheduling an appointment. 

Access the Immigration Preparedness Toolkit and Family Preparedness Plan developed by Immigrant Legal Resource Center to help immigrants with no legal status or in a mixed-status household create a strategy to protect themselves and their family members.

Take time to figure out which documents you should and should not carry with you. Always carry a red card documenting your immigration rights card. Printed copies are available at the Dream Success Center, the Library, the Latinx Affinity Room in the Cross Cultural and Gender Center and the welcome center of the Resnick Student Union. See more information.

Contact Dean Stevenson (559.278.6561 or tstevenson@mail.fresnostate.edu) if you are approached by ICE or become aware of ICE presence on campus.

The CSU promotes and posts free webinars presented by our Immigration Legal Resource Providers, including a list of upcoming webinars.Also see the Trainings tab below. 
Students, faculty, and staff may attend these webinars presented by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) and the Immigrant Legal Defense (ILD) Nonprofit organization:

Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 12:00 p.m.
Details: Learn about essential immigration rights, protections, and anticipated changes under the new administration. Includes a live Q&A session.
Register Here

Presented by ILRC

Date: Thursday, January 16, 2025, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Details: Join us for an informative Know Your Rights webinar where you’ll learn essential information to protect yourself and your loved ones. This session will cover your legal rights in various situations, how to handle encounters with law enforcement or immigration authorities, and steps to prepare in case of emergencies.
Register Here

Presented by ILD

Date: Thursday, January 16, 2025
English Session: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. | Spanish Session: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. 
Details: Training for advocates on Know Your Rights basics and how to lead their own training sessions.
Register for English Session | Register for Spanish Session

Presented by ILRC

Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Details: Join us for an essential webinar where we will explore key considerations and risks involved in traveling within the U.S. as an undocumented individual. This session will provide valuable insights into the potential risks, things to watch out for, and how to plan when traveling as an undocumented person. 
Register Here

Presented by ILD

Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025
Faculty and Staff Session: 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Student Session: 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Library 2206 
Details: The Dream Success Center, in partnership with Immigrant Legal Defense, our CSU legal partner, is hosting an in-person Know Your Rights information session. This session is primarily aimed at campus staff and faculty, but we will also be offering a similar session tailored for students. The session will touch on: 

  • Staff/faculty under DACA and other temporary forms of relief
  • How to handle encounters with immigration enforcement authorities (ICE)
  • For legal citizens: learn how you can be a better ally and protect others

Register for Faculty and Staff Session | Register for Student Session

Presented by The Dream Success Center and ILD

Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Details: Join us for our Monthly Immigration Updates Webinar, where we recap the latest developments in immigration law, policy changes, and important news. This session will keep you informed and empowered with accurate, up-to-date information to navigate the evolving immigration landscape.
Register Here

Presented by ILD

Date: Wednesday, March 12, 2025, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Details: Join us for an informative webinar on Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), where we’ll provide an overview of this critical immigration pathway. Learn who is eligible for SIJS, the application process, and its benefits. Whether you’re a legal professional or someone seeking information for yourself or a loved one, this session will offer valuable insights into SIJS and how it can help minors in need of protection.
Register Here

Presented by ILD

Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Details: Join us for our Monthly Immigration Updates Webinar, where we recap the latest developments in immigration law, policy changes, and important news. This session will keep you informed and empowered with accurate, up-to-date information to navigate the evolving immigration landscape.
Register Here

Presented by ILD

Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Details: Join us for a crucial webinar where we’ll discuss the different types of background checks, including those conducted by employers, schools, and immigration authorities. Learn how these checks may impact your immigration status and what legal options are available under immigration law. Whether you’re navigating employment, education, or immigration processes, this session will provide valuable guidance on understanding and addressing background checks in the context of immigration.
Register Here

Presented by ILD

Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2025, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Details: Join us for our Monthly Immigration Updates Webinar, where we recap the latest developments in immigration law, policy changes, and important news. This session will keep you informed and empowered with accurate, up-to-date information to navigate the evolving immigration landscape.
Register Here

Presented by ILD

Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Details: Join us for an informative Know Your Rights webinar where you’ll learn essential information to protect yourself and your loved ones. This session will cover your legal rights in various situations, how to handle encounters with law enforcement or immigration authorities, and steps to prepare in case of emergencies.
Register Here

Presented by ILD

Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Details: Join us for our Monthly Immigration Updates Webinar, where we recap the latest developments in immigration law, policy changes, and important news. This session will keep you informed and empowered with accurate, up-to-date information to navigate the evolving immigration landscape.
Register Here

Presented by ILD

Dear Campus Community,

Recent national discussions on immigration have understandably raised concerns and questions among many in our campus community, especially our undocumented students and their families. With this message, I want to reaffirm our university’s unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and safe environment for all.

Today, I am pleased to announce the launch of our updated Student Resources website for undocumented students. This new resource hub provides accurate, up-to-date information about rights, legal services, and other critical support systems available to undocumented students and their families.

Here are some important reminders from the California State University (CSU) system that guide our approach:

  • A CSU education is secure. There are no laws that prohibit someone from attending college, and CSU enrollment policies are not based on legal immigration status. The U.S. Constitution stipulates that all students have the right to receive an education, regardless of their immigration status. Furthermore, the Education Code of California states: “It is the policy of the State of California to afford all persons in public schools, regardless of their … immigration status, equal rights, and opportunities in the educational institutions of the state.” Ed. Code, § 220. 
  • Financial aid options are available. State aid, institutional grants, scholarships, and loans are available to those students who qualify and complete a California Dream Act Application. Through programs such as the Central Valley College Corps Program, which offers up to $10,000 per year, and other funding opportunities, we remain committed to helping our students achieve their academic goals. 
  • Support is here. Free immigration legal services are available for CSU students, employees, their families, alumni, and newly admitted students.

Every individual in the U.S. has the right to legal due process under the Constitution, and Fresno State remains steadfast in ensuring that all members of our community feel safe and supported. I encourage our campus community to explore our new website, so we can all be informed. I also encourage our undocumented students to connect with our Dream Success Center, which offers personalized guidance and resources to help navigate these challenges. Additionally, we are grateful to the CSU for its strong advocacy on behalf of all students and for the comprehensive resources it provides. At Fresno State, we celebrate the resilience, determination, and invaluable contributions of our undocumented students. 

Together, we are a stronger, more vibrant community.

Sincerely,

Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, Ph.D.
President

Dear Campus Community,

In light of recent news reports and inquiries, we want to ensure that everyone is equipped with the resources and information needed to navigate interactions with immigration enforcement officials in the event they come to campus. Below, you will find important tools, guidelines, and upcoming opportunities for education.

Resources:

The regional Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) offers a Know Your Rights Red Card, which is designed to help individuals communicate their rights in encounters with immigration officials.  ASI has printed Red Cards and made them available to the campus community.  

  • Red Cards are available on campus, in our Dream Success Center, the Library, the Latinx Affinity Room in the Cross Cultural and Gender Center and the welcome center of the Resnick Student Union.
  • Red Cards are also available for download here in a variety of languages.


What to do if contacted by an immigration official:

If you’re approached by an immigration official on campus or by phone, please refer them to Terree Stevenson, Dean of Students, at (559) 278-6561, who is our designated campus official to interface with immigration officials. If Dean Stevenson is not available, please contact Lieutenant Madrigal with the Fresno State Police Department at (559) 278-8400. It is important to inform the enforcement official that you are not obstructing their process but need to consult with the appropriate campus designees.

Employee, student and personally identifiable information in university records are protected by a variety of privacy rights and university policies–including the Family Education Rights & Privacy Act [FERPA] and privacy rights of personnel records.  

University employees are required to maintain the confidentiality of personal and personally identifiable information, and records containing such information.

Upcoming Informational Webinar: 

This webinar will be presented by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC):

Immigration Know Your Rights and Advocate Training

  • Date: Thursday, January 16, 2025
  • English Session: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM PT | Spanish Session: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM PT
  • Subject: Training for advocates on Know Your Rights basics and how to lead their own training sessions.
  • Register for English Session | Register for Spanish Session


For more context on the resources we’ve shared with the campus community, please visit our Student Resources website for undocumented students; this website will be updated as information becomes available.  

Thank you for your continued efforts to support our students and campus community. 

Sincerely,


Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, Ph.D.

President

  • This is the most typical type of warrant used by immigration enforcement officials.
  • It is NOT issued by a court judge.
  • It does NOT grant any special power to compel university personnel to cooperate with his/her requests.
  • You are NOT required to assist with the apprehension of a person identified in an ICE administrative warrant, provide student records, or consent to their search of a campus facility.

  • You do not need to immediately comply and can challenge it before a judge.

  • You do not need to immediately comply. Contact Dean Stevenson to recieve further direction. 

  • It does NOT authorize an individual’s arrest. 
  • It does NOT require university staff to take any action or cooperate with the officer.  

A non-citizen who is residing in the U.S. without legal immigration status. Undocumented persons include those who originally entered the U.S. legally for a temporary stay and overstayed or worked without DHS permission and those who entered without inspection. 

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, commonly known as DACA is an administrative relief that protects certain immigrants who were brought to the United States when they were children from deportation. DACA gives undocumented immigrants: 1) protection from deportation, and 2) work authorization. The program requires that the DACA status and work authorization be renewed every two years.

Issued to non-citizens granted permanent residence. It is also referred to as having a Lawful Permanent Residency Card or Green Card. A lawful permanent resident is someone lawfully admitted to the U.S. for permanent residence. Immigrants can become LPRs through family or employer sponsorship, refugee or asylee status, humanitarian programs, or by obtaining a U-Visa or T-Visa. LPRs enjoy most of the same rights and obligations as U.S. citizens, except for voting and holding certain public offices. However, they can be deported for certain offenses, including some misdemeanors. After five years (three years if through marriage to a U.S. citizen), an LPR can apply for U.S. citizenship. 

Assembly Bill (AB) 540 was signed into law in 2001. California Nonresident Tuition Exemption commonly known as AB 540, exempts certain students from paying nonresident tuition (higher than resident tuition) and/or allows them to apply for and receive state aid at certain California public and private colleges. 

Assembly Bill (AB) 1096, deletes the word “alien” wherever it appears in the codes and replaces it with various terms such as non-citizen, immigrant, non-immigrant, or persons unlawfully in the United States. 

A legal status granted to a person who has suffered harm or who fears harm because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.

A person who has been granted asylum in the U.S. immediately after obtaining asylum, asylees are authorized to work in the U.S., and one year later, an asylee can apply for lawful permanent resident (LPR)  status. Five years after being granted LPR status as a former asylee, the person can apply for citizenship.

A person seeking asylum or refuge in the country in which they currently reside due to persecution faced in their native country. Often people who apply for asylum at an airport or other point of entry into the United States are detained. The difference between refugees and asylum seekers is that asylum seekers are physically present in the United States or at a U.S. border and are seeking permission to remain in the United States, while refugees are outside the U.S. and are seeking resettlement in the U.S.

A person who is granted permission to enter the U.S. legally because of harm or feared harm due to his/her race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Unlike an asylum applicant, a refugee must meet this definition while outside of the United States and enters the U.S. with refugee status. One year after arriving in the U.S., a refugee can apply to become a lawful permanent resident (LPR), and after five more years, can apply for U.S. citizenship.

An individual who is a U.S. citizen or legal resident in the U.S., but other family members are not.

A status allowing residence and employment authorization to the nationals of foreign states for a period of not less than 6 months or more than 18 months, when such state (or states) has been appropriately designated by the Attorney General because of extraordinarily and temporary conditions in such state (or states).

A person admitted to the U.S. for a temporary period and a specific purpose.