Legal Support
This page connects you with free immigration legal help, Know Your Rights tools, and campus policies designed to protect and support undocumented and immigrant students at UC Santa Cruz.
Immigration legal services
The UC Immigrant Legal Services Center (UCImm), operating out of UC Davis School of Law, serves immigration-related needs of UC students, staff, faculty, and their immediate family members.
Schedule a consultation:
- Email: eop@ucsc.edu
High-priority situations
Mention in your email if you have:
- Eligibility for Special Immigrant Juvenile status (SIJS) due to abuse, abandonment, or neglect by one or both parents and will be turning 21 within the next year. Learn more about SIJS.
- DACA expiring within the next 4 months or expired less than a year ago. Learn more about the DACA court case.
- Pending immigration case with interview or hearing notice, Request for Evidence (RFE), or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID).
- You or an immediate family member are currently in removal proceedings in immigration court or are currently in immigration detention.
Free-of-charge legal assistance services include:
- Confidential consultation to assess eligibility for all immigration relief programs
- Legal advice for students, staff, and faculty who plan to travel and want to assess potential risks
- Direct representation
- Know Your Rights workshops
- UC-wide informational webinars)
Cases supported by UCImm include:
- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
- Advance Parole for students eligible to study abroad
- U-visa for survivors of crime
- T-visa for survivors of trafficking
- Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)
- Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) for survivors of domestic violence
- Family Based Petitions
- Adjustment of status (i.e., green card application)
- Naturalization (citizenship)
Resources and FAQs
The UC Immigrant Legal Services Center has compiled a variety of resources including Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and recordings of past UC-wide webinars.
Know your rights
Regardless of your immigration or citizenship status, you have constitutional rights:
- You have the right to remain silent. If you wish to exercise that right, say so out loud.
- You have the right to refuse to consent to a search of yourself, your car or your home.
- If you are not under arrest, you have the right to calmly leave.
- You have the right to a lawyer if you are arrested. Ask for one immediately.
Read more about your rights and how to prepare for different situations here:
Know Your Rights Cards
“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.”
If ever encountered with law enforcement, these cards come in handy as they explain that you wish to exercise your constitutional rights. It’s a good measure to carry one of these with you at all times. You can check our office or print one out for yourself.
Family Preparedness Plan
Every family should have a Family Preparedness Plan. While it is our hope that you never have to use your plan, it is a good practice to have one in place to help reduce the stress of the unexpected. This packet will help everyone create a Family Preparedness Plan, regardless of immigration status. However, because of the additional challenges immigrant and mixed-status families face, we also have additional advice for immigrants.
Family Preparedness Plan (PDF)
Family Preparedness Plan in Spanish (PDF)
Financial Handbook for Families facing Detention and Deportation (PDF): Resource with information on protecting assets and benefits for someone facing detention and deportation, from managing your bank account and power of attorney to receiving money in detention.
Resources
Explore the USS Legal Rights Resources playlist on YouTube, including Know Your Rights webinars and other legal support videos.
USS/UCIMM Know Your Rights Resource List
UCSC Immigration Enforcement Action Response and Emergency Contact Notification
AB 21
Assembly Bill 21 is a significant piece of legislation that addresses the increasing challenges surrounding immigration policy and enforcement in California. The bill requires state and community colleges, as well as UC universities, to implement policies and procedures that promote a safe and welcoming environment for all campus community members, regardless of their immigration status. In March of 2018, Former University of California President Napolitano sent a letter to UC chancellors, strongly encouraging them to adopt the policies and practices outlined in Assembly Bill 21. With this bill, California is taking a proactive step towards ensuring all students feel safe and supported on their educational journey.
To learn more about AB 21 and the Know Your Rights flyer, please visit the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.