Immigration Legal Services Offered for SDSU Students, Employees

San Diego State University is among the California State University campuses offering immigration legal services for undocumented students and employees, the system announced this week. 

“This announcement marks an important moment for our campus and our system,” said Christy Samarkos, interim vice president in the Division of Student Affairs. “SDSU is committed to providing opportunities and supports that directly benefit the academic achievement and personal development of students, no matter a student’s citizenship status, or the status of their families.” 

Through the state-funded initiative, four service providers are designated to support 22 CSU campuses. Jewish Family Service of San Diego is providing services for both SDSU and CSU San Marcos. Students with questions or who would like to request support should contact Educational Opportunity Programs and Ethnic Affairs (EOP) or Undocumented Resource Area (contact information and details about resources are available online). 

In partnership with SDSU, Jewish Family Service is providing immigration legal services at no cost to students, faculty and staff. The Undocumented Resource Area, in coordination with EOP and the Division of Student Affairs is coordinating delivery of the services, which include education and outreach services on campus. 

The partnership extends SDSU’s existing resources for undocumented students. The university already provides academic and career advising, DACA renewal assistance, referral to off-campus community service providers and the UndocuAlly Training, an advocacy and awareness-building initiative. 
The new legal services will be available to all members of the campus community who have questions about legal immigration and rights, with undocumented students receiving priority in scheduling appointments. For example, the “Know Your Rights” workshops being provided through the partnership with Jewish Family Service informs on a great number of legal issues, including that Border Patrol and ICE are not allowed to detain anyone without a warrant signed by a federal judge. 

“These types of resources contribute to SDSU’s ability to offer a safe and supportive campus environment for all students. When students feel safe and are appropriately supported, it is then that they are able to achieve their greatest potential,” said Miriam Castañón, director of EOP, which houses the services. 
Attorneys, paralegals or other accredited representatives will visit SDSU, providing general consultations, offering support with DACA renewals and providing assistance in filling out other immigration related forms and petitions.

In 2018, the State of California authorized funding for non-profit organizations to provide free immigration legal services. Funding for the services was initially provided by a one-time allocation of $7 million from the 2018 Budget Act to the California Department of Social Services. California’s 2019-20 budget converted the same amount to recurring funding to maintain services.

“I am delighted that we will be able to increase the availability of immigration legal services to the California State University community. We remain committed to ensuring that all CSU students have the opportunity to pursue their higher education goals regardless of their country of origin. This inclusive foundation extends to our employees, who demonstrate their dedication to student achievement and success on a daily basis,” CSU Chancellor Timothy P. White said in the announcement. 
“We remain committed to ensuring that all CSU students have the opportunity to pursue their higher education goals regardless of their country of origin,” White said. “This inclusive foundation extends to our employees, who demonstrate their dedication to student achievement and success on a daily basis.” 

More Information 

Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to review the following information and resources: 

• The Undocumented Resource Area (URA) at SDSU is open to all undocumented students -- including those with mixed-status families -- faculty, staff, allies and members of the larger community. URA is facilitating legal services through a partnership with Jewish Family Service. The URA FAQs contain more information.
• URA provides one-on-one appointments with the URA coordinator, academic and career advising, UndocuAlly Training and referrals to reliable off-campus community service providers. 
  
  
• CSU Resources for Undocumented Students provides system-wide information about financial aid, the admissions process, legal support and other resources. 
  
  
• SDSU provides Frequently Asked Questions related to support for students and employees who are undocumented and includes information about individual rights and law enforcement.