Undocumented Students/DACA Students

Statement on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, September 7, 2017

In recent months, we have heard from many students who share a growing and real concern about the potential for deportation of students lacking citizenship or residency status.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a 2012 executive order of President Obama that allows certain undocumented immigrants to the United States who entered the country as minors to receive a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation and eligibility for a work permit.

While DACA remains intact at this time, we respect the voice of our students and any concerns they may have. To that end, OC will do what it legally can in support of our students, including:

• OC and other public colleges have no legal obligation or affirmative duty to enforce federal immigration law. That is the responsibility of federal law enforcement agencies.
• OC security officers do not question people about their immigration status and do not detain undocumented persons because they are undocumented.
• OC does not make admissions decisions about students based on their immigration status and does not request immigration documentation except as needed to determine the eligibility for resident tuition rates.
• OC does not volunteer information about student enrollees and does not disclose protected information from their student education records except as required in response to a lawfully issued subpoena or court order. Students’ education records, including any information regarding their immigration status, are protected by federal privacy laws.
• OC supports free speech, but does not tolerate unlawful harassment, threats, or hate crimes as defined under our student conduct code or applicable law.
• OC welcomes and affirms the values of diversity and inclusiveness as well as the right of all students to be free from unlawful interference with the attainment of their educational goals.
• OC commits to protecting the safety, security and well-being of its students and staff, regardless of their immigration status, within the limits of the law.
• OC strives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliation or beliefs, or disabilities.
• OC is committed to supporting all students, including undocumented students.

Sanctuary Colleges

There is a growing sentiment across the nation to declare colleges as “sanctuary campuses.” Colleges in Washington lack the legal authority to unilaterally declare their campuses as immigration sanctuaries in defiance of federal immigration law.

We disclose this, so you are aware of the legal limitations in this area. In no way, does this deter us from our commitment to our mission of helping all our students achieve their educational goals.

For more information about DACA, visit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.