The DACA Decision: Campus Resources and Support

In response to the September 5, 2017 repeal of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, DCAL compiled a list of the resources and support available to students, faculty, and staff.

What is Dartmouth doing to support DACA and Undocumented students and staff?

The Office of Visa and Immigration Services (OVIS) maintains a website that provides information to the Dartmouth community regarding changes in immigration policy. It is updated frequently to keep pace with the changing legal landscape. 

OVIS also maintains a list of resources for DACA and Undocumented students. 

A student has come to me for help. What should I do?
If students come to you needing help regarding legal issues, their classes, financial aid, emotional support, or other issues, put them in touch with Kristi L. Clemens, Assistant Dean and Director of Case Management.

A student seems really stressed or worried. Where can they get help?
Dartmouth aims to provide a safe environment for all students to learn. DACA and undocumented students, and students with undocumented family members, are living with extremely high levels of stress due to the overall political climate regarding immigration in the United States, constantly shifting legal policy, financial worries, and the fear of being arrested and deported. Counseling & Human Development (CHD) welcomes DACA and Undocumented students. 

How can I let students know that I am a resource without impinging on their privacy?
Consider including this information on your syllabus or announcing it to all of your students, in order to respect DACA and undocumented students who may wish to keep their statuses private. 

Can ICE agents come to campus to detain an undocumented student or staff member?

ICE (the Immigration Customs and Enforcement Agency) has declared that universities are sensitive locations and that “enforcement actions are not to occur at or be focused on sensitive locations such as schools, places of worship, unless:

• exigent circumstances exist;
• other law enforcement actions have led officers to a sensitive location, or
• prior approval is obtained from a designated supervisory official.”

(https://www.ice.gov/ero/enforcement/sensitive-loc)

What should I do if I encounter an agent from ICE or Customs and Border Patrol on campus?

Contact Dartmouth Safety and Security immediately at (603) 646-4000 or Safety.and.Security@Dartmouth.edu.

A student has been threatened by another student. What can I do?
Dartmouth is dedicated to establishing and maintaining a safe and nondiscriminatory learning, living, and working environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Any inquiries or complaints concerning discrimination in the educational and employment context may be referred to the Bias Impact Response Team (BIRT).

What are the legal rights of DACA students?
The ACLU’s website provides up-to-date information on the rights of DACA students.