WHEREAS, Undocumented students across California face increasing threats of deportation under the incoming administration, creating an atmosphere of heightened stress and anxiety for this already marginalized group[1]; and recognizing that undocumented students are not criminals, the Student Senate of California Community Colleges has long stood in solidarity with marginalized communities, affirming that students should not be penalized for their immigration statusand further acknowledging that undocumented students have been specifically identified as a focal point in Chapter 4 of the Student Senate Anti-Racism Plan of Action[3], completed during the 2023-2024 term;
WHEREAS, Undocumented students are committed to self-improvement through education, often immersing themselves in the legal frameworks and cultural norms that define the country they hold dear; and some even enlist in the armed forces in pursuit of the American Dream[4], demonstrating their dedication to contributing to the nation they wish to call home;
WHEREAS, Undocumented students must feel secure on their campuses to thrive academically and the persistent fear of deportation can cause undue stress, leading to absences, poor grades, or even the cessation of their educational pursuits altogether, as they fear being separated from their families without warning; and
WHEREAS, Undocumented students contribute significantly to our communities by seeking higher education and earning degrees that address the workforce needs of industries across the state and their familiarity with American society, coupled with their qualifications, makes them a vital resource, often more so than newly arrived H1-B visa holders; Now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate of California Community Colleges work with the Chancellor’s Office to develop a statewide campaign to distribute factual information on undocumented student rights, utilizing social media platforms, webinars, and printed materials in collaboration with community-based organizations, to combat the demonization, disinformation, and misinformation that unfairly scapegoat undocumented students as the source of societal issues;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate of California Community Colleges encourage the Chancellor’s Office and colleges districts to work in partnership with institutions providing free immigration consultations, as already practiced at universities like CSU [5], to support the well-being and academic success of undocumented students; and advocate for the allocation of funding to expand mental health resources, including the hiring of at least one counselor per district specifically trained to support undocumented students [6];
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate of California Community Colleges advocate for the Chancellor’s Office and college districts to enhance protections for undocumented students by disseminating available resources and collaborating with state lawmakers to advance policies that provide a pathway to relief for students, including access to programs like DACA, while hosting annual advocacy events to raise awareness of these policies; and
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate of California Community Colleges encourage the Chancellor’s Office and college districts to sign a memoranda of understanding with organizations such as the ACLU and Immigrants Rising [7] to provide direct legal assistance, mental health, advocacy, and support for undocumented students statewide as well as workshops and outreach initiatives to address this critical issue, at least once every semester.
References:
[1]https://calmatters.org/education/k-12-education/2025/01/deportation-californi/
[2]https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&divisio=7
[3] https://ssccc.org/file_download/inline/34a504fa-6061-4431-91e1-fa883e4fe177
[4] https://immigrationforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/VNA-Fact-Sheet.pdf
[5]https://www.calstate.edu/attend/student-services/resources-for-undocumented-students
[6] https://immigrantsrising.org/mental-health-connector/
[7] https://www.aclu.org/issues/immigrants-rights