We cherish the diversity of our community and will continue to do everything we can to protect it. During these uncertain times, the most important thing to do is to speak out. If you are experiencing immigration related challenges, or know someone else who is, please contact the TCS Global Engagement team immediately.

In addition, we are providing the following information to assist members of our community or their families who may be affected by administrative decisions regarding immigration or residency in the United States.

Legal Resources

While we are unable to provide legal advice about entering or leaving the U.S. as a non-citizen or about immigration, we strongly recommend that you discuss any legal concerns with an attorney to determine your rights and any appropriate courses of action. This is especially the relevant for students contemplating international travel.

American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

AILA provides resources to aid in finding a lawyer. In addition, many state and local bar associations have lawyer referral services that offer reduced fee initial consultations.      

American Civil Liberties Union

For general information about your rights, the American Civil Liberties Union can provide guidance in multiple languages regarding many particular instances, including:

• Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent visits
• Demonstrating or protesting
• Being stopped by the police
• Being questioned about immigration status
• Search and detainment

Study Abroad for Non-Citizens

International students sponsored in F-1 or J-1 status should contact their Designated School Official for information related to their non-immigrant status. If you need assistance in identifying your Designated School Official (DSO), please contact Global Engagement or find your college’s contact information below:

• The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
• Pacific Oaks College
• Saybrook University

International Students

We continue to recommend caution for international students travelling outside the U.S. and to review the most recent action on United States Presidential Executive Orders prior to exiting the United States as rulings continue to rapidly evolve. Please contact your Designated School Official or our Global Engagement Team to help in navigation to the most recent resource.

International students should consider the risk of travel in light of their own background and travel history and consult an attorney if further guidance is needed.
While current DACA students are not required to disclose their DACA status, we must advise you that study abroad programs do not create a safe harbor and your re-entry to the U.S. is subject to review. As a result, if you are a DACA student pursuing a school-sponsored international experience, we advise you to consult with legal counsel.

Mental Health Resources

If you are struggling with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, or legal and financial concerns we encourage you to reach out to the campus mental health resources for support:

• Colleges of Law
• The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
• Pacific Oaks College
• Dallas Nursing Institute
• Saybrook University

Faculty and Staff Resources

Faculty and staff with questions on how to address related issues in the classroom should contact or refer students to Global Engagement. They may also choose to review and share the following resources:

• We Have Your Back: How Educators Can Support Undocumented Students
• Stress Related to Immigration Status in Students: A Brief Guide for Schools

DACA and Executive Order Resources

For the most recent information on DACA or Executive Order No. 13780, please see the following external resources:

• S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which administers the DACA program, has issued a memorandum about the wind down of the program and an FAQ.
• Association of International Educators: DACA Resources
• American Immigration Lawyers Association
  • Featured Issue: Immigration 2017 – A New President and Congress

Global Engagement Contact

If you hear of someone on campus who needs help regarding immigration, please share this resource page with them. Global Engagement is serving as the central hub for tracking these issues and supporting campus leaders on related actions and policy.

If you are not sure whom to contact, please reach out to Emily Karem, Vice President of Global Engagement or 312-379-1610. Please feel free to share this information broadly.

If you are aware of a resource not shared here, please contact Global Engagement to let us know.

How to Get Involved

The Chicago School Chicago Campus students

The Young Center looks for people 21+ to volunteer as child advocates and holds two-day trainings twice a year, in the spring and the fall. For more info and volunteer application, visit The Young Center.

The Santa Barbara & Ventura Colleges of Law students

The Colleges of Law is offering two legal aid workshops—Know Your Rights and Family Preparedness Plans. These workshops offer legal resources to families that may be affected by the Department of Homeland Security memoranda regarding deportation.

If you would like to help, e-mail and provide the following information:

• Your name
• If you are bilingual (not necessary)
• Contact information
• Date(s) of availability