Resources for our Undocumented Community
At Barstow Community College we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all students and members of the community. We believe that education is a fundamental human right, and at BCC we stand strong in safeguarding that right for all students.
BCC faculty and staff continue to value and support an inclusive and equity-minded learning environment committed to social justice where all students are supported to pursue and achieve their educational and personal goals. You are not alone; we see you; we value you, and we will continue to stand alongside you.
Student & Community Resources
If immigration comes to your home, work, or neighborhood, or if there are ICE raids nearby, call the Rapid Response Hotline.
Si la migra viene a su casa, trabajo, o vecindario, o si hay redadas de ICE cercanas, llame a la linea de respuesta.
Immigrant Defenders Law Center Rapid Response Legal Resource Hotline (Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, and Imperial counties)
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Hotline: (213) 833-8283
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Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday from 9AM-4PM PST
All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. The ILRC’s Red Cards help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations, such as when ICE agents go to a home.
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Todas las personas en los Estados Unidos - sin importar su estatus migratorio - tienen derechos y protecciones bajo la constitución del país. Nuestras Tarjetas Rojas ayudan a los inmigrantes ejercer esos derechos y protegerse en muchas situaciones, como cuando agentes de inmigración visitan nuestras viviendas.
Downloads-Print at Home (Descargas-Imprimir en Casa)
Artwork for Printing Your Own Red Cards - English
Free immigration legal services are available to students, staff, and faculty affiliated with the California Community Colleges through Find Your Ally. Priority for services is given to undocumented students, staff, and faculty. The immigration legal service providers offering services at the 65 campuses have developed scheduling, intake, and reporting processes that ensure student information remains confidential and protected.
Though all legal providers offer legal consultations and basic immigration benefit application assistance, some providers may offer additional services. Basic immigration legal assistance includes:
- Legal consultations to screen for immigration relief
- Deferred Action from Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewals
- Family-based petitions
- Naturalization/citizenship applications
The DACA Assistance Fund is a one-time allocation of $3 million to support students, faculty, and staff across the California Community Colleges to pay for the $495 filing fee.
Who is eligible?
- Students
- Faculty
- Staff
- Dual Enrolled students
- Noncredit students
- Adult education
The Fund supports both first-time applicants as well as those renewing their DACA within 150 days of their permit expiring.
What if the USCIS is not accepting applications at this time?
According to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), requests will remain on hold, in "pending" status, while the Southern District of Texas order remains in effect. With respect to individuals who have not yet filed for DACA, under the Court's order, USCIS may continue to accept first-time DACA applications, but may not grant any initial DACA requests at this time. It is unclear whether there is any benefit to applying for initial DACA at this time. Please consult with a licensed immigration attorney or DOJ accredited representative for advice on your case.
How to access benefits:
To access benefits from the Community College Immigration Services Project, students, faculty, and staff need to make an appointment with their region's identified host college, which can be found on the Chancellor's Office website.
Eligible individuals from any California Community College can schedule an appointment within their specific region and must choose a college that is closest to them.
The DREAM Resource Center offers resources and support for all students, regardless of background or immigration status, empowering them to achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals.
Mental Health Resource (Available in Spanish)
BCC’s Mindful Space supports student success by providing quality and accessible mental health services and education.
Counseling Services (Available in Spanish)
The Counseling Department offers counseling, educational planning, and other services to assist students in achieving their educational goals at BCC.
- Immigrant Legal Resource Center State Legislation Copycat Briefing
- Attorney General Model Policy for Colleges and Universities
- Family Preparedness Plan (public advisory)
- Role playing skits in English and Spanish
- Know Your Rights Videos
- My Undocumented Life
- United We Dream
- Resources for California's Immigrant Communities
District Employee Resources
1. Can federal immigration authorities come onto a California Community College campus to enforce immigration laws?
In California, federal immigration authorities, such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), may only enter a community college campus if they have a valid warrant, such as an arrest or search warrant. Without a warrant or other legal authorization, they cannot detain or arrest individuals on campus. California law (SB 54, the California Values Act) limits cooperation between state and local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, which includes restrictions on ICE accessing college campuses for immigration enforcement purposes.
2. Are community college employees required to disclose students' immigration status to federal authorities?
No. Under both federal law (FERPA) and California law, community colleges are not required to share students' immigration status with federal authorities unless there is a specific legal obligation, such as a valid subpoena or court order. California's sanctuary laws further protect students' privacy by restricting the release of personal information, including immigration status, to federal immigration enforcement.
3. What should I do if an immigration enforcement officer asks for information or access to a student’s record at a California Community College?
If an immigration officer requests information about a student or access to their records, you must immediately refer the request to the college president. Do not share any student information without proper legal authorization. Document the request and any actions taken. Under California law, colleges are prohibited from voluntarily sharing student information with immigration authorities unless there is a specific legal requirement.
4. Can federal immigration officials arrest a student on a California Community College campus?
Federal immigration authorities may arrest individuals if they have a valid warrant. However, California's sanctuary laws (SB 54) generally limit the involvement of local and state agencies in federal immigration enforcement, and this extends to community colleges. Immigration officials are not allowed to conduct enforcement operations on campuses unless they have the necessary legal authority (e.g., an arrest warrant). In such cases, employees should contact the college president and avoid direct involvement in enforcement actions.
5. What protections do undocumented students have at California Community Colleges?
Undocumented students in California are afforded several protections. State law provides that students cannot be denied access to public education based on their immigration status. Furthermore, California's sanctuary laws limit the role of college staff in assisting federal immigration enforcement efforts. Students are also protected by federal laws such as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, if they are enrolled. It is strongly recommended that undocumented students seek legal advice to fully understand their rights and protections.
6. Can I document an immigration officer’s information and/or actions by recording them on my smartphone?
Assuming there is no interference with law enforcement functions, California law allows an individual to record a law enforcement official discharging functions in public spaces. The recording should not be done surreptitiously nor in any way that may reasonably be deemed to interfere with the officer’s functions.
Assembly Bill (AB) 21
Assembly Bill 21 (Kalra, 2017) seeks to mitigate the impacts of potential federal changes to immigration enforcement policies and to ensure students have access to their financial aid, legal representation, and their constitutional right to due process. AB 21 also required that the CA Attorney General and the higher education segments (including private universities) adopt a model policy developed by the Attorney General or an equivalent policy, limiting assistance with immigration enforcement to the fullest extent possible consistent with federal and state law.
Source: California Community Colleges Dreamers Project: Complete Report
Assembly Bill (AB) 540
Assembly Bill 540 was passed in 2001 and grants students who meet certain criteria an exemption from paying nonresident tuition.
Source: California Community Colleges Dreamers Project: Complete Report
CA Dream Act (AB 130 and 131)
The California Dream Act (Assembly Bill 130 and Assembly Bill 131) allows undocumented and nonresident documented students who meet certain requirements to apply for and receive:
- Scholarships
- State-administered financial aid
- Community college fee waivers
- Cal grants
Make sure your high school has verified your GPA. Learn more at California Student Aid Commission, or call (888) 224-7268.
In-State Tuition (AB 540, AB 2000, SB 68)
California laws that allow qualifying students, who would otherwise not be eligible for in-state tuition, to pay in-state tuition at UC, CSU, or California Community Colleges.
- Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540), passed in 2001 to amend Section 68130.5 of the Education Code. It grants students meeting certain eligibility criteria an exemption from paying nonresident tuition at the CCC. Students granted this exemption will receive in-state CA tuition rates.
- Assembly Bill 2000 (AB2000), passed in 2014 to amend Section 68130.5 of the Education Code. This is an expansion of AB540. It increases the scope of student eligibility for students who graduated early from a California High School with the equivalent of three or more years of credits. If a student graduates early, they must have attended CA high elementary, middle school, and/or high school for a cumulative total of 3 or more years. It grants students meeting certain eligibility criteria an exemption from paying nonresident tuition at the CCC. Students granted this exemption will receive in-state CA tuition rates
- Assembly Bill 68 (SB68), passed in 2017 to amend Section 68130.5 of Education Code., This changed the criteria for students eligible for a nonresident tuition exemption, as previously defined in Assembly Bill 540 (2001). Senate Bill 68 expands the requirements of AB 540/ AB 2000 to include attendance at California Community Colleges and attainment of an associate's degree.
Senate Bill (SB) 54
Senate Bill 54 (De Leon, 2017) ensures that no state or local resources are diverted to fuel any attempt by the federal government to carry out mass deportations and that schools, hospitals, and courthouses are safe spaces for everyone in the community.
Senate Bill (SB) 68
SB 68 is a law that expands on AB 540 to enable students to count years spent at a California Community College and adult education towards AB 540 eligibility. Additionally, SB 68 allows the completion of an associate degree or satisfaction of the minimum requirements to transfer to the University of California or California State University as sufficient for students to qualify for in-state tuition and financial aid.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
DACA is a federal program for people who came to the US as children and meet several eligibility requirements. DACA provides a two-year deportation reprieve and applicants may apply for a work authorization permit, which is subject to renewal. It does not provide lawful status. Only adults who were 31 years old or younger on June 15, 2012 qualify for this program. More information about DACA
DREAMer
The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act (S.1291) legislation was introduced in 2001 as a bipartisan bill in the Senate. The legislative goal was to provide a means for undocumented immigrants who arrived in the US as children to gain a pathway to permanent legal status, provided those individuals achieved certain milestones.
The term Dreamer refers to undocumented students who were brought to the US by their parents as minors and either entered the country without inspection or overstayed their visas. They face unique legal uncertainties and limitations within the US educational system.
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
An ITIN is a tax-processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). ITINs are issued regardless of immigration status and are used for federal tax reporting only. These numbers are not intended to serve any other purpose. An ITIN can be used to apply to college, but is not required.
International Student
International students include those who currently hold specific visas. Undocumented students are not considered international applicants because many do not qualify for a visa and do not have to go through the international admission process.
Mixed-Status Family
A mixed status family is one in which some family members are US citizens and/or legal residents while others remain undocumented. For example:
- A documented student with undocumented parents
- A documented student with undocumented siblings
Non-Citizen
The term non-citizen applies to students who:
- Are not US citizens or permanent residents
- Do not hold a valid visa
- Are not seeking a visa for study or documentation for residency in the US
Overstayed Visa
An individual with an overstayed visa is one who has stayed in the US after their tourist, visitor, or student visa has expired.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
The Secretary of Homeland Security may designate a foreign country for TPS due to conditions in the country that temporarily prevent the country’s nationals from returning safely, or in certain circumstances, where the country is unable to handle the return of its nationals adequately. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services may grant TPS to eligible nationals of certain countries (or parts of countries), who are already in the United States. Eligible individuals without nationality who last resided in the designated country may also be granted TPS.
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