Become a UC Advocate
The University of California welcomes students, faculty and staff from all backgrounds and nationalities, and believes that everyone in our community deserves to feel safe and respected.
For information about DACA and DACA renewals, click here.
UC is deeply concerned that recent federal actions related to immigration and immigration status create a climate of confusion and fear among members of our community, including among undocumented students and those of the Muslim faith.
These include the decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and the several executive actions restricting entry into the United States by citizens of certain countries — view our most recent guidance here).
Like universities across the country, UC is deeply enriched by students, faculty and scholars from around the world, who come to study, teach and conduct research. It is critical that the United States continues to welcome the best students, scholars, scientists and engineers of all backgrounds and nationalities.
The information gathered here is intended to provide guidance, resources and support for navigating this fluid situation, and to reaffirm the University of California’s commitment to all members of its community.
For information on UC's statements and resources on the executive orders on immigration, click here.
Policies
UC statement of principles
University of California statement of principles in support of undocumented members of the UC community.
Promoting a Safe and Secure Campus for All: Guidance and model policies to assist California’s colleges and universities in responding to immigration issues
The California State Attorney General issued model policies for colleges and universities related to “limiting assistance with immigration enforcement.” The University of California Office of the President (UCOP) endorsed these models and policies and encouraged campuses to adopt them.
Responding to Immigration Enforcement Issues Involving Patients in UC Health Facilities
UC information on DACA
UC statements on DACA
UC celebrates Supreme Court win
On behalf of the 650,000 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients currently living in the United States, the University of California applauds the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the Trump administration’s arbitrary attempt to end a program that allowed immigrants brought to the U.S. as children to live and work in the country they know as home.
Published June 18, 2020
Immigration legal services for UC students and their families is still available, remotely, including on DACA renewals despite COVID-19 pandemic
The university is still providing free legal assistance to UC students and their families on immigration-related matters despite the COVID pandemic through the UC Immigrant Legal Services Center. Although the Center's attorneys are not on campus they are fully functional and available to help students and their families. Please contact them at ucimm@law.ucdavis.edu or (530) 752-7996 if you need assistance. If you are a UC Berkeley student, please contact instead https://undocu.berkeley.edu/legal-support-overview/legal-support-appointments/.
If you currently have DACA status and have not applied yet for renewal, we urge you to do so now and these organizations can help you do so. Renewal through USCIS no longer requires in-person biometric appointments and they will use the information already on file.
Published April 10, 2020
UC expresses concerns about proposed increase in federal immigration and naturalization fees
This month, UC President Janet Napolitano urged the Trump administration to change course on its plans to raise fees associated with renewing a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) application.
Published December 13, 2019
University of California statement on filing of amicus briefs in support of DACA
On September 27, 2019, the Regents of the University of California filed a brief in the Supreme Court challenging the Trump administration’s decision to rescind DACA. Since then, hundreds of corporations, national security experts, colleges and universities, and members of Congress, among others, have filed amicus, or “friend of the court,” briefs in support of DACA.
Published October 4, 2019
Statement from UC President Janet Napolitano on filing Supreme Court brief on DACA
The University of California filed a brief in the Supreme Court challenging the Trump administration’s decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. In September 2017, after the administration announced it would end DACA, the University of California was the first university to sue the government.
Published September 27, 2019
UC statement on immigration raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement
University of California President Janet Napolitano issued this statement on how U C will refrain from joining any efforts by ICE.
Published July 14, 2019
UC statement on Supreme Court review of DACA
U C looks forward to presenting our case to the Supreme Court and continuing our efforts in Congress to secure a permanent legislative solution for the Dreamers.
Published June 28, 2019
Statements from 2018
UC statement on 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision on DACA
The University of California applauds today’s decision by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that keeps in place the injunction preventing the Department of Homeland Security from ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
Published November 8, 2018
UC lawsuit leads to thousands of DACA grant renewals
A lawsuit filed by the University of California has allowed more than 117,000 young immigrants to extend their authorization to legally live and work in the U.S. under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
Published July 6, 2018
Statement of UC President and former DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano on immigration
University of California President and former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano issued a statement today on immigration.
Published June 19, 2018
UC statement regarding Tuesday’s federal court ruling on DACA
The University of California issued a statement regarding the federal court ruling on DACA.
Published April 25, 2018
UC urges Congress to pass bipartisan legislation for permanent protection of DACA recipients
The University of California presses Congress to take action and protect Dreamers.
Published March 5, 2018
UC statement on Supreme Court decision regarding DACA
The University of California will defend U.S. District Judge William Alsup's injunction in the Court of Appeals.
Published February 26, 2018
Latest updates for DACA recipients
Following the favorable ruling in UC’s lawsuit against the Trump administration’s decision to halt the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, USCIS has resumed accepting requests to renew DACA status. Click the link above to learn more about requesting renewal.
Published January 16, 2018
UC statement on federal court DACA ruling
The University of California is pleased and encouraged that the court has granted an injunction to temporarily stop the Department of Homeland Security’s rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
Published January 9, 2018
Statements from 2017
UC part of joint legal motion to halt repeal of DACA program
The University of California, along with other organizations and individuals who have sued the Trump administration over its rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, jointly asked a federal judge to keep the program operating while legal motions proceed.
Published November 1, 2017
UC applauds announcement of grants to support California DACA students
The University of California applauds the announcement that the Mission Asset Fund, with support from the Weingart Foundation, will provide $500,000 in grants to cover the cost of renewing the applications of UC, California State University and California community college students under the DACA program.
Published September 13, 2017
UC supports agreement between state Legislature and Governor to assist DACA recipients
The University of California issued a statement thanking Gov. Jerry Brown and the California Legislature for providing an additional $1 million in funding for UC’s Dream Loan Program.
Published September 12, 2017
UC provides guidance to DACA recipients on applying for renewal
The University of California sent a letter to the UC community containing guidance for students and other community members who are in the DACA program, strongly urging DACA recipients whose permits are set to expire between Sept. 5, 2017 and March 5, 2018, to apply for a two-year renewal.
The deadline for renewal is Oct. 5, 2017. Although the University has filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of the Trump administration’s decision to end DACA, that does not change our advice. It’s the best way to ensure two more years of protection against deportation.
Published September 12, 2017
UC statement in support of Attorney General Becerra’s lawsuit over DACA
The University of California issued a statement in support of the lawsuit filed by California Attorney General Xavier Becerra regarding the DACA program.
Published September 11, 2017
University of California sues Trump administration on unlawful repeal of DACA program
The University of California filed suit in federal court against the Trump administration for wrongly and unconstitutionally violating the rights of the University and its students by rescinding the DACA program on “nothing more than unreasoned executive whim.”
Published September 8, 2017
UC President Napolitano denounces decision to end DACA program, calls on Congress to make protections permanent
UC President Napolitano statement following President Trump's decision to end the DACA program.
Published September 5, 2017
UC regents affirm support for DACA and Dreamers
UC Board of Regents statement following President Trump's decision to end the DACA program.
Published September 5, 2017
UC President Napolitano statement on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program
UC President Janet Napolitano weighs in on reports that the Trump administration will maintain the DACA program.
Published June 16, 2017
Advocacy
President Napolitano's letter to Congressional leadership
September 5, 2017 letter in support of bipartisan legislation to protect the nation's Dreamers.
Letter from California's higher education leaders to the Calif. Congressional Delegation
September 5, 2017 letter from Calif. higher education leaders to the state's congressional delegation in support of bipartisan legislation to protect Dreamers.
Leaders urge President-elect Trump to continue DACA
UC, CSU and CCC leaders urge President-elect Trump to continue DACA.
Resources
- Frequently asked questions for UC employees about possible federal immigration enforcement actions on university property
- Guidance for UC community regarding DACA renewal
- List of Dreamer resources by campus
- UC Undocumented Student Resources minisite
- UC Immigrant Legal Services Center
- UC Immigrant Legal Services Center response to DACA rescission
- UC Immigrant Legal Services Center Temporary Protected Status and Deferred Enforced Departure frequently asked questions
Campus statements on DACA
- UC Berkeley: We stand with our undocumented students
- UC Davis: A message from the UC Davis chancellor about DACA
- UC Irvine: In support of undocumented members of our campus community
- UCLA: Message from Chancellor Block on the ending of DACA
- UC Merced: DACA and our undocumented students
- Riverside Press-Enterprise: Why the Inland Empire should worry about DACA ending: Kim A. Wilcox
- UC San Diego: UC San Diego’s commitment to undocumented members of our community
- UCSF: Defending DACA
- UC Santa Cruz: Trump administration action on DACA
UC information on the executive orders on immigration
UC statements on the executive orders on immigration
UC comment letter on duration of status
Comments from UC President Michael V. Drake, M.D., and the 10 UC chancellors in response to establishing a fixed time period of admission and extension of stay procedure for nonimmigrant academic students, exchange visitors and representatives of foreign information media.
Published Oct. 23, 2020
UCstatement on Department of Homeland Security reversal of international student visa order
University of California Board of Regents Chair John A. Pérez and President Janet Napolitano issued a joint statement today (July 14) on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s decision to rescind a directive that would have forced international students to leave the country if their schools held all classes online due to COVID-19.
Published July 14, 2020
UC poised to sue federal government over new visa policy for international students
The University of California today (July 8) announced new plans to file suit against the federal government for violating the rights of the University and its students when the Department of Homeland Security directed Immigration and Customs Enforcement to bar international students from staying in the country if they attend U.S. universities that offer only online courses during the COVID-19 health crisis.
Published July 8, 2020
Statement from UC President Janet Napolitano on ICE announcement
UC President Napolitano provided a statement on the university's response to the recent ICE announcement about international students attending online-only classes this fall.
Published July 7, 2020
Statements from 2018
Statement on the Supreme Court ruling regarding the executive order on restricted entry to the United States
On June 26, 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of President Trump’s executive order that restricts residents of seven countries (Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen), five of which are majority-Muslim, from entering the United States. The ruling reverses a federal court decision that blocked the travel ban. The University of California reaffirms its deep concern over the executive order and its commitment to support all members of the UC community who are affected by this action.
Published June 27, 2018
Statements from 2017
Statement on President Trump's executive order
President Janet Napolitano and the chancellors of the University of California issued a statement about the executive order on immigration.
Published January 29, 2017
Academic Council supports UC statement on executive order on immigration
Academic Council support for UC statement on President Trump’s immigration executive order.
Published January 30, 2017
Statement from the University Committee on Faculty Welfare
UCFW and four other standing Academic Senate committees express opposition to the executive order on immigration.
Published February 6, 2017
AAAS letter on executive orders on immigration
UC joins 170 organizations representing the sciences, engineering and education to urge the administration to rescind the executive order on visas and immigration.
Published January 31, 2017
Higher Education Association letter to Secretary Kelly
Fifty-one higher education associations sent a letter to Secretary Kelly on maintaining the U.S. as a destination of choice for international students and scholars.
Published January 31, 2017
Letter to President Trump from presidents of the AAU
University presidents and chancellors urge Trump to rescind the travel ban.
Published February 2, 2017
Advocacy
Legislation introduced by California lawmakers Feinstein and Lofgren
The university also is supporting legislation introduced by California Sen. Dianne Feinstein and U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren that, if enacted, would rescind the executive order.
Letter to Sen. Dianne Feinstein
In support of S. 240 legislation.
Letter to Rep. Zoe Lofgren
In support of H.R. 724., the Statue of Liberty Values (SOLVE) Act.
Letter from senior government officials
Letter from senior government officials to Secretary Kelly, Acting Attorney General Yates and Acting Secretary Shannon.
Resources
- Guidance on presidential proclamation restricting entry of certain nationals of Chad, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria and Venezuela
Published Oct 9, 2017 - Updated guidance on executive order restricting travel and entry into the United States by individuals from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen (‘Designated Countries’)
Published June 30, 2017 - Preliminary guidance on the revised executive order restricting travel and entry into the United States by individuals from designated countries
Published March 6, 2017 - Frequently asked questions for UC employees about possible federal immigration enforcement actions on university property
- Guidance for the community
- Undocumented student resources
- FAQ from the Undocumented Legal Services Center at UC Davis
- FAQ and resources on executive actions on immigration from UC Berkeley
- Resources page on the executive orders from UCLA
- Immigration alerts and updates from UC Santa Barbara Office of International Students and Scholars
- We Stand with Our Students ally directory created by UCLA faculty
Campus links and statements on executive orders
- UC Berkeley Chancellor’s message about Trump travel ban
- UC Davis Interim Chancellor Hexter: "We embrace scholars and workers of all backgrounds and ideals"
- Letter from Interim Chancellor Hexter: Affirming our staunch support
- UC Irvine Chancellor Gillman: Guidance on the executive order affecting visa processes and entry into the United States
- UCLA Chancellor Block establishes advisory council on immigration
- UCLA Chancellor Block and EVC Waugh on immigration executive order
- UC Merced Chancellor Leland regarding President Trump's executive order on immigration
- UC Riverside on the new White House executive order on travel
- UC Riverside campus response to the executive order on immigration
- UC San Diego immigration policy updates and FAQs
- UC San Francisco Chancellor Hawgood statement regarding President’s executive order on immigration
- UC Santa Barbara Chancellor Henry T. Yang on the executive order restricting immigration
- UC Santa Cruz Chancellor Blumenthal on UC policy on undocumented members of our community