5 Ways Campuses Can Support Non-Citizen Students and Employees Post-Election

We understand that the post-election period can be uncertain for many on our campuses and in our local communities.

Here are five ways you can support your non-citizen students and employees during this time. For more resources, visit our Directory.

Download the PDF: Five Ways Campuses Can Support Non-Citizen Students and Employees Post-Election

1. Release Statements of Support from the President or Chancellor, Including Resources for Students and Staff.

• We encourage presidents and chancellors to collaborate with practitioners who support non-citizen students and community members to craft a statement of support that is thoughtful and inclusive of diverse identities. View a sample statement here.  

2. Host Know Your Rights Workshops for Students and Staff. 

• Partner with your law school or immigration organizations to offer workshops explaining rights that may be impacted by changes in administration. 
• Allow ample time for students to ask questions related to their own rights or those of their family members, and be sure to include non-citizen students, staff, and those from mixed status families in the invitation. 
• As some students may participate in protests or rallies, consider offering “Know Your Rights as a Non-Citizen” workshops to ensure they are making informed decisions. 

3. Encourage Community Building Among Students by Hosting Supportive Events.

• Offer events like reflection circles, yoga or movement classes, meditation sessions, creative expression workshops, and other programs that support students’ mental and emotional well-being. 
• When students’ mental health is impacted, meeting basic needs can become challenging. To help, consider providing food at events, along with resources like food or gas vouchers and emergency grants where possible.
• While non-citizen students cannot vote, some may want to take action by sharing petitions, joining campaigns, and organizing events for causes they care about. 

4. Share Campus & External Resources for Wellness, Career, & Legal Support.

• Compile a list of campus resources open to all students, regardless of immigration status, and share other external resources available in your state. 
• Include the Resource Directory for undocumented students and individuals on the Higher Ed Immigration Portal, as well as our Legal Pathways That Work Resource Hub.
• Consider incorporating psychological first aid techniques: prepare, engage, listen, and link.

5. Educate Your Campus on Safety and Security Practices for Non-Citizen Students.  

• Remind undocumented students of their rights under FERPA. See our FERPA overview for more information.
• Use Switchboard’s “Safety and Security in Polarized Political Environments” guide to foster a secure campus environment.