There is uncertainty and concern in our university community about changes in immigration policies outlined by the federal government. The University has personnel and resources in place listed below to support faculty, staff, and students on all campuses who may be affected by these changes.
International students and scholars have been and will always be an essential part of the University of Minnesota, bringing new knowledge and experiences to our University for 150 years. They—and other employees and students who are affected by immigration policies—will be a vital part of the success of our state and the University of Minnesota long into the future.
As has been the University’s pledge over the years, we are fully committed to keeping all members of our community who are affected by immigration policies safe and well-informed so they can best navigate their responsibilities in compliance with law and policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you hearing concerns from students or others who might be affected by changes to immigration policies?
When individual questions arise, we are committed to connecting students, faculty, and staff into the University’s established systems and resources related to international travel, visa processing, or other related topics. Our goal is to help members of our community make informed choices as they navigate existing and evolving policies, laws, and other requirements.
What resources are available?
There are many resources available if you have questions or need support. Students or scholars with questions and concerns about their visa status can email the H-1B, PR, or J-1 teams at International Student and Scholar Services. If your status is different from one of these, students can reach out to Student Legal Service, and eligible University employees can access limited legal consulting and a discount on referrals through the Employee Assistance Program. Community resources for those seeking immigration legal services can be found on the Binger Center for New Americans’ website.
What is ICE?
ICE is the abbreviation for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which is one of the units within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that enforces immigration laws. Other units within DHS that enforce immigration laws include the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. ICE’s stated purpose is to promote national security and public safety through the criminal and civil enforcement of federal laws governing border control, customs, trade, and immigration. Like a number of other federal law enforcement agencies, ICE employs law enforcement officers. ICE law enforcement officers are typically part of ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations unit.
Why would ICE or another immigration officer be on campus?
There are many reasons immigration officers may appear on campus, including reasons unrelated to apprehending and removing an individual that they believe is in the United States unlawfully.
What role do campus departments of public safety, such as UMPD on the Twin Cities campus, play in the actions of ICE or other federal agencies?
Campus departments of public safety, including UMPD, do not enforce federal immigration laws and our officers do not inquire about an individual's immigration status. Their focus remains on public safety, fostering trust, and maintaining strong relationships across the University community.
What if ICE requests student information. Will the University give it to them?
Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the University cannot provide private student information to any law enforcement agency, including ICE, unless required by subpoena or court order or otherwise expressly permitted or required under FERPA and other laws and regulations. All law enforcement subpoenas, warrants, and similar requests that seek University information are carefully reviewed and responded to by the University’s Office of the General Counsel. No unit or University employee is authorized to accept service of or respond to a subpoena or warrant without first contacting the Office of the General Counsel.
Does UMPD generally inquire about immigration status?
UMPD does not inquire about immigration status as a matter of routine.
Have there been any ICE officers on campus recently seeking to enforce immigration laws?
The University is not aware of any such activity. While uncommon, occasionally officers or agents from federal, state, or other local law enforcement agencies may be present on University campuses or properties for law enforcement purposes. Activities carried out on a University campus or property by law enforcement agencies not affiliated with the University are typically conducted with advance notice to the University.
What do I do if someone shows up at the workplace and presents a warrant, subpoena, or court order or asks for information on students, staff or faculty and their immigration status?
Contact the Office of the General Counsel before taking any action. For communications advice, please reach out to University Relations. Office of the General Counsel Guidance to University Faculty and Staff Regarding Law Enforcement Activity on Campus and University Properties should be followed and can be found on the Guidance to University Faculty and Staff Regarding Law Enforcement Activity on Campus and University Properties page. Please note, this link requires a University login.
Resources
There are many resources available if you have questions or need support.
- Guidance to University Faculty and Staff Regarding Law Enforcement Activity on Campus and University Properties (Requires University Login)
- Students and scholars who do not have U.S. citizenship—those on non-immigrant visas (usually F or J), and graduates on Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Academic Training (AT): Contact the appropriate international student office:
- Crookston: International Programs
- Duluth: International Student Services
- Morris: International Student Program
- Rochester: International Undergraduate Admissions
- Twin Cities: International Student and Scholar Services
- Employees and faculty who are on H-1B visas or other non-immigrant work visas or who hold permanent residence status: Contact International Student and Scholar Services or the unit that assisted you in obtaining your visa or permanent residence status.
- Immigrants, refugees who have not yet received non-temporary status in the United States, undocumented, or others with temporary status:
- Students should contact Student Legal Service, which provides advice and guidance, and legal representation where appropriate, for Twin Cities campus fee-paying students in a variety of immigration-related cases. [The University is working to hire a new lawyer to provide expanded student legal support to all system campuses. This information will be updated once that hire is complete.]
- Limited legal consulting and a discount on referrals is available to benefits eligible employees via the Employee Assistance Program.
- Additional community resources for those seeking immigration legal services can be found on the Binger Center for New Americans’ website or at lawhelpmn.org.
- Departments that hire and host international faculty, staff, and scholars may reach out to ISSS for guidance as needed.
- Departments can find experts and information on the rights of noncitizens within the following University’s Centers and Programs: