Recommendations for Supporting Immigrant, Migrant, International, and Other Non-US Citizens at the University of Oregon

Courtesy of UO Dreamers Working GroupEfforts to make progress on three Oregon Rising goals — specifically goals related to student success and timely graduation, creating a flourishing community, and career preparation — are all affected by the current political context. By current political context we are referring to recent executive orders and actions that impact the well-being and educational efforts of undocumented students, tuition equity students, international students, students from mixed-status families, and other students with temporary legal statuses, as well as staff. The purpose of this document is to acknowledge this reality and how the political context unduly and disproportionately impacts students, and to offer some suggestions and resources to UO faculty and staff seeking to support these students.

In conjunction with this handout, which is specific to UO and Oregon resources, we also highly recommend: “Supporting mental health amid uncertain immigration status: A higher education guide” offered by the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration and the National Latinx Psychological Association.

Below is a list of concerns experienced and expressed by undocumented, immigrant, migrant, international, and other non-US citizens at UO and other higher education settings. For each concern we offer recommendations and resources to guide faculty and staff.

Concern: Fear of Deportation (Self or Family Members)

Heightened immigration enforcement activities, including highly visible ICE raids and the deployment of National Guard troops to carry out immigration enforcement actions, have resulted in higher numbers of ICE arrests, detentions, and deportations. This reality is impacting all UO students and staff who have immigrant, migrant/international status or family members who are directly impacted by heightened immigration enforcement activities.

High-profile cases of arrests, captures, and detainments of students, youth, and families while they are engaged in daily routines (sleeping, working, driving, shopping, going to school) heighten the anxiety, uncertainty, and fear of this moment. This acute stress is affecting mental health and students’ ability to persist in their education and achieve what they are capable of.

Recommendations

Concern: Declines in Mental and Physical Health

Numerous executive orders directly threaten students’ ability to continue pursuing their education. State efforts such as revoking non-resident tuition for undocumented students in Texas and Florida2 create a sense of fear and threat. The scope of the raids, and the proliferation of videos showing violent actions against non-threatening people exercising free speech (or sleeping or working), cause trauma and anxiety.

Recommendations

Concern: Fear of Travel / Uncertain Ability to Travel

Visa delays, denials, and possible revocations threaten students’ ability to return to the UO after visiting home, and also make travel for research and other activities related to students’ degree progress highly risky and/or impossible3.

Recommendations

  • When international student visas are denied or delayed, maximize alternatives for them to stay enrolled in your class.
  • For graduate students no longer able to freely travel, advisors and departments are encouraged to offer flexible paths to changing research topics, methods, and timelines.
  • Be aware and sensitive to the fact that some international students must weigh the value of seeing their family and home community against the possibility of being unable to return and finish their UO education. They may have expected to return home at least annually and are missing family milestones and rituals of celebration and loss.
  • Tailor expectations of travel to conferences or work experiences abroad to include local or domestic options.

Concern: Income Loss Due to Family Member Deportation or Fear of Going to Work

Because many raids have focused on workplaces in which undocumented individuals are employed, some workers are staying away from work and losing paychecks. Every deported individual leaves behind a family who suffers both emotional and economic loss. These realities impact UO students, including students’ ability to cover their tuition and living expenses. Further, deportation of a family member may place added responsibilities on students to generate income, care for family members, or assume other roles that decrease time for studies.

Recommendations

Concern: Restricted Access to Paid Jobs and Internships

Undocumented and international students may face greater restrictions and have less access to paid jobs and internships due to status. Upon graduation, along with having had restricted access to career-building opportunities, those lacking work authorization may not see a way to work in their professional/major area.

Recommendations

Concern: Safety and Sense of Belonging on Campus

Undocumented and international students want and need to know they are safe on campus. In the current climate many students are more fearful and less willing to ask for help or seek services for which they are eligible. They are concerned that their immigration status will be shared with the federal government or ICE.

Recommendations

  • Communicate awareness of and empathy regarding the heightened vulnerability of some groups of students including undocumented and international students.
  • Call out any bullying, harassment, or discrimination against migrant and international students; do not participate in normalizing bias and discrimination, xenophobia, racism, bullying, hate, or fear.
  • Attend Dreamer Ally Trainings and take action to contribute to an “Undocufriendly” campus.
  • Inform students of their rights as protected by:
  • Be aware of Oregon state laws relating to immigration enforcement, and your rights and responsibilities under the Sanctuary Promise Act as a public employee (see links in the Resources section below).
  • Do not share immigration status information with entities external to UO. If you are asked to do so, call UO General Counsel Office to report: https://generalcounsel.uoregon.edu/ ,phone: 541-346-3082. Voicemails left on the main line will be routed immediately.
  • If encountering federal immigration enforcement making demands for information, also call UOPD dispatch for support: 541-346-2191.
  • Download and print this document for your office area and colleagues: What should I do if immigration enforcement comes to campus seeking people or records? (Updated 4/7/25)
  • Departments and offices can designate “private spaces” where ICE access can be restricted. Consult General Counsel about this. Avoid posting signs designating “private spaces” as it could create the expectation that all unposted spaces are not private.

Resources and Sources

Oregon & Campus Resources

Additional Readings & References

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