Undocumented Students

It depends. As a public institution, a large portion of the Governors State University campus is open to the public. Federal immigration enforcement officers may enter these areas open to the public without a warrant.

However, public access is limited in certain areas of the Governors State University campus and property. Included in this category of limited access spaces are campus buildings in which access is restricted by University-issued ID card (i-card), locked doors or monitored entryways, including University residence halls. Limited access spaces also include some buildings and spaces that may be unlocked during normal operations, including administrative or faculty offices, classrooms, and research laboratories.

It is important to note that ICE or federal officials from the Department of Homeland Security may be on campus for reasons unrelated to immigration enforcement actions. As part of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) through the Department of State, in which many International students participate, the University is required to report certain information about F-1 or J-1 visa status students to ICE, as it is an agreed upon part of SEVIS reporting. This reporting is routine, and the University is required to comply with on-site visits to review records when requested.

Federal immigration enforcement officers are required to have a criminal arrest or search warrant to lawfully enter nonpublic areas without consent. Most often, immigration officers who might come to campus would be acting on civil, not criminal, authority, and generally carry administrative warrants. Administrative warrants are not signed by a judge and do not authorize officers to enter limited access areas without consent.

University employees should ask the immigration officer for their name, identification number and agency affiliation. Ask the officer to wait and immediately call the Governors State University Department of Public Safety (DPS) at (708) 534-4900 ext. 4900 and notify them of the immigration officer’s presence.

Unauthorized employees should not accept delivery of legal documents, such as search warrants or subpoenas. Employees not authorized to receive such documents should call the DPS to receive them. University police will forward such documents to University General Counsel (legal counsel) immediately for advice.

No. The DPS will not ask anyone about their immigration status and does not arrest anyone solely on the basis of their immigration status. DPS also does not act on detainers issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Will County Jail does not hold individuals affected by ICE detainers.

The only time officers are required to take immigration enforcement action is when a judge has signed a criminal warrant. DPS would not typically be involved in immigration enforcement under normal circumstances.

Additionally, Illinois state law prohibits state and local law enforcement from acting on federal detainers or stopping, arresting, or searching an individual based solely on immigration status (5 ILCS 805/-Illinois TRUST Act). As of June 21, 2019, the Keep Illinois Families Together Act (5 ILCS 835) officially prohibits state and local law enforcement in the state of Illinois from entering into 287(g) agreements with ICE.

Yes. A residential hall room is considered a limited access area and cannot be legally accessed by immigration enforcement officers without a valid criminal warrant or the voluntary consent of the occupant. A student need not allow entry to any law enforcement officer who is not in possession of a criminal warrant, regardless of what that officer might say.

Individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy in their homes, both on and off campus. A warrant of removal/deportation (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) warrant) is a civil or administrative warrant and is not signed by a judge. Administrative warrants do not authorize officers to enter a home without consent. If an immigration officer has a civil or administrative warrant, undocumented students have a personal choice whether to grant consent to enter their residence. However, if a law enforcement officer has a criminal search or arrest warrant signed by a judge, the officer does not need consent to enter the apartment or arrest an individual named in the warrant.

In all cases, individuals have the right to the remain silent under the 5th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and do not need to answer questions, or sign or provide any documents voluntarily.

Unauthorized employees should not accept delivery of legal documents, such as search warrants or subpoenas. Employees not authorized to receive such documents should call DPS to receive them. University police will forward such documents to University General Counsel (legal counsel) immediately for advice.

If DPS receives a request from a federal officer for any information about a student, they should contact the Office of General Counsel (legal counsel) for assistance. Personally identifiable educational and university health records are protected by a variety of privacy laws including the Family Education Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Health Insurance Privacy and Accountability Act (HIPAA). As a university employee, you are required to maintain the confidentiality of these records.

If you receive a request for personally identifiable information or records, or if a federal immigration enforcement officer gives you a warrant or subpoena seeking such records, before providing any information, you should confirm that you are authorized to provide access to the specified records or information. Ask the officer for their name, identification number and agency affiliation; ask for a copy of any warrant or subpoena presented, inform the officer that you are not obstructing their process but need to contact the Office of University Counsel for assistance, and call the Governors State University Department of Public Safety (708) 534-4900 for instructions on responding to the request.

Undocumented students who meet the qualifications may be eligible for in-state tuition. Once you have completed the GovState application, please fill out the GovState Affidavit. Please have the Affidavit signed and notarized by a notary public and return it to the Registrar's office.

Undocumented students may be eligible to receive in-state financial aid through the Retention of Illinois Students & Equity (RISE) Act Alternative Application. Additionally, undocumented students may qualify for other types of financial assistance such as private scholarships from communities and national organizations that do not require a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be on file.

Foundation Scholarships / Private Scholarships
Once admitted, you will have access to GovState’s Scholarship platform, Scholarship Universe. After you create an account and log in, you will be matched with scholarships that are open to GovState students. A growing number of scholarships no longer require citizenship status. Please note that foundation scholarships open each semester and are awarded the following term.

Illinois Dream Fund 
Illinois passed the Illinois Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM Act) which establishes a scholarship fund for qualified undocumented students funded entirely by private donations. In order to qualify for the Illinois DREAM fund scholarship, an applicant must:
Be incoming freshmen or current undergraduate or transfer student

1. 1. Possess at least a 2.5 GPA on a 4-point scale 
2. 2. Have resided with parent(s) or guardian(s) while attending high school in Illinois 
3. 3. Have graduated from a high school or received the equivalent of a high school diploma (GED) in Illinois; after attending an Illinois high school for at least three years. 

Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund  
MALDEF is a Latino legal civil rights organization promoting social change through advocacy, communications, community education and litigation in the areas of education, employment, immigrant rights and political access. 

Alternative Application to apply for Illinois MAP Grants

Dennis De La Rosa Scholarship Fund

Golden Apple Scholarship

Immigrants Rising Scholarships and Fellowships

Private Illinois College and Universities (PICU)

TheDream.US

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

The Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling

It is recommended that Undocumented students meet with our Undocumented Student Liaison to help navigate the university's resources:

Emmanuel Lopez
Email: elopez6@govst.edu
Office: C-2340

Whether you are a prospective student or if you are already taking classes at GovState, meeting with us will allow you to get personalized support. We understand your unique experiences and want to take the pressure off your shoulders so that you can make the best decision with the right information. We can also help you understand how to utilize Scholarship Universe to apply for an internal scholarship on a semester basis.

Once admitted, ALL students gain access these support programs offered by the university:

• • Latinx Resource Center
• • Counseling and Wellness Center
• • TRiO
• • HOUSE Liaison (students experiencing home insecurities)
• • GSU4U
• • Dean of Student for student advocacy
• • Department of Public Safey
• • Disability Services
• • Legal Clinic
• • First Generation Center

Please visit the Illinois Immigration Information website for updated information regarding the following topics:

• • Knowing Your Rights
• • Getting legal help
• • Housing and Food
• • Driver’s Licenses and State ID’s
• • Public Benefits and Safety

For updated information regarding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) please visit Immigrant Rising’s website.

Other organizations that also assist immigrant populations:

• • AFIRE Chicago (Filipino Community Network and Services)
• • Cambodian Association of Illinois
• • Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago
• • Educators for Fair Consideration
• • ENLACE Chicago (Legal and Immigration Services)
• • Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
• • Illinois Latino Council on Higher Education
• • Immigrant Youth Justice League
• • Korean American Resource and Cultural Center
• • Latinos Progresando
• • Legal Assistance Foundation
• • Logan Square Neighborhood Association
• • Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund
• • National Immigrant Justice Center
• • Pew Hispanic Center
• • United African Organization
• • Urban Institute
• • World Relief

Q: Can I apply for financial aid?

A: While Undocumented students are NOT able to complete the FAFSA application. The Retention of Illinois Students & Equity (RISE) Act allows eligible undocumented students to apply for all forms of state financial aid. The Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (Alternative Application) provides a way for these qualified students to apply for Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants, the state's largest need-based grant program for low-income college students.

Q: Am I eligible for Governors State Scholarships?
A: Yes, but you must meet the scholarship criteria.

Q: Does GovState provide health insurance for Undocumented Students

A: While Governors State University does not offer health insurance for undocumented students, the Undocumented Student Liaison can help you explore external available options. Some graduate programs may require proof of health insurance for clinical or program-specific requirements. For guidance and support, please contact Emmanuel Lopez, Undocumented Student Liaison, at elopez6@govst.edu.

Q: Do I have to be a citizen to be admitted to Governors State?
A: No, citizenship status is not a requirement for admission. All information you share with the university is confidential according to the Family Educational and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines.

Q: The Governors State University application asks for a Social Security number. What should I write?
A: You should leave that question blank. A student GovState ID number will still be generated with your application.

Q: Will I be reported to immigration if I attend Governors State University?
A: No, under the Family Educational and Privacy Act (FERPA) your privacy is protected.

Q: If I am a transfer student, do I still need to submit my high school transcripts?
A: Yes. In order to satisfy the requirements of Public Act 93-0007, you must submit official high school transcripts.

Q: Are there certain majors that I should not consider?
A: There may be some majors that will require you to sit for a state exam and you will need to have a valid social security number. You should consult with the Major Program Advisor for requirements.

Q: I've been approved for DACA. Now that I have a work permit, can I work on campus?
A: Certain on-campus jobs are open to all students who are enrolled at least half-time and have eligibility to work in the United States – this includes Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or DACA work eligibility. However, undocumented students (or DACA) are not eligible for Federal Work-study.

Q: What happens if I am admitted to Governors State as an undocumented student, but the I am finally able to get my permanent resident card?
A: You should submit this new information to the Admissions Office, as this could help you qualify for federal assistance.