Supporting Noncitizen Students in Higher Ed

Throughout his time on the campaign trail, President-elect Donald Trump made sweeping statements about mass deportations of millions of immigrants living illegally in the U.S., which could impact students and staff at colleges and universities across the country.

While institutions of higher education do not have a legal defense against deportation of their campus community members, administrators can still assist learners and practitioners, according to a recent report from the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration.

The paper offers five strategies that can address uncertainty and help students feel more connected to campus.

What’s the need: Around 5.6 million students from immigrant families attended U.S. college and universities in 2021, according to Migration Policy Institute analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data.

During his first term in office, Trump tried to eliminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which protects immigrants brought to the U.S. as children from deportation and allows them to work. Estimates from the Presidents’ Alliance place around 141,000 students as eligible for DACA, according to 2021 numbers.

The demise of DACA—in that it’s inaccessible to most undocumented high school students in its current form—may have contributed to enrollment declines for undocumented students at California public institutions, according to one study published this fall. The number of undocumented students who received aid on a University of California campus dropped 51 percent, and California State University saw a 48 percent decline from 2016–17 to 2022–23.

Even if undocumented students remain in the country, it may become more difficult for them to access or remain enrolled in higher education due to efforts to reduce aid for them. In Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation’s policy manual for a second Trump administration, authors outline barring institutions that provide an in-state tuition rate for noncitizen students from receiving federal financial aid.

FAFSA glitches in the past year prevented many children of undocumented immigrants from filling out the form, and now students are worried their information will be shared with the federal government and used against them.

Aiding the campus community: College leaders can, according to the Presidents’ Alliance report, play a role in addressing concerns by:

1. Releasing statements of support. Presidents and chancellors can collaborate with community members and practitioners who support noncitizen students to create a message of support. Wesleyan University released a statement, penned by President Michael Roth, on Nov. 6 that highlighted the university’s commitment to protect students and to not voluntarily assist in efforts to deport noncitizens.
2. Hosting a Know Your Rights workshop. University leaders can lean on their own law school to provide this education or local immigration organizations to explain how community members’ rights may be impacted by new presidential leadership. Oxnard College in California hosted a workshop for students and their families on Nov. 21 to address concerns about the incoming administration and answer questions community members may have. Students could also benefit from Know Your Rights as a Noncitizen workshop if they’re considering participating in protests or rallies.
3. Encouraging community building. Sometimes campus climates can be hostile toward marginalized communities, including undocumented students. Events like reflection circles, meditation sessions or creative expressions can improve students’ mental and emotional well-being, and basic needs resources can address physical health concerns that may also be impacted by students’ poor mental health, according to the report.
4. Sharing campus and external resources. These supports can help students with their wellness, career and legal concerns and be highlighted in a resource directory. Trinity Washington University, at which the student population is around 10 percent undocumented immigrants, contacted local legal clinics and advocacy groups after the election to stay updated on resources and ensure these centers are ready to engage with students who may need help.
5. Educating your campus on safety and security practices. Noncitizen students have rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which means their personally identifiable information contained in education records cannot be disclosed without written consent.

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