Resources for Undocumented Students at Fresno State
FRESNO, Calif – President Trump on January 21, 2025 signed an executive order called “Protecting the American People Against Invasion”, which aimed at removing unlawful immigrants that posed a threat to our national security. This executive order would allow immigration officers to enter and arrest illegal immigrants in previous sensitive areas such as schools, hospitals, and places of worship. This executive order has led to various protests and policy changes across the country.
Fresno State has made changes to its website and implemented new policies that can be accessed here. This explains what to do if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers come onto the Fresno State campus. In this new policy, students are asked to contact Dean Stevenson immediately either by email at tstevenson@mail.fresnostate.edu or by phone at (559) 278-6561.
“Misinformation about immigrants’ rights has led to a lot of confusion and feelings of instability. We want to make sure we are taking care of our community,” Teree Stevenson, Dean of Students Affairs said.
Picture of Dean Teree Stevenson – Dean of Students Affairs
The executive order was aimed at removing illegal immigrants with a criminal record, but according to an NBC Los Angeles report, 41% of immigrants being deported have no criminal records, which has led to an increment of anxiety cases among the undocumented community.
The Student Health and Counseling Center is providing a service for students with cases of anxiety related to the immigration matter; the service is called “Undocu-Talk”, which takes place every Wednesday on Zoom from 2 to 4 p.m., for more information.
“A lot of conversations and discussions are happening about the new U.S. immigration policy involving our international and undocumented students” said the Director of Counseling Services Eitisha Wilbon.
Picture of Eitisha Wilbon – Director of Counseling Services
The Dream Success Center on campus, is a major advocate for red cards, these cards can be picked up on the third floor of the Resnick Student Union at the Associated Student INC (ASI) for cards in English and Spanish, they are also available in other languages at the Cross Cultural Gender Center on campus in the Thomas Building.
“There are also free immigration services being provided by the Dream Center, which are accessible to all CSU’s, it is available to all students, faculty, staff, alumni and their immediate family members”, Diana Rea Flores, Coordinator of Dream Success Center said.
Picture of Diana Rea Flores – Coordinator of Dream Success Center
Fresno State is a big part of the California Central Valley, which in turn has a big immigrant community from different parts of the world. Since the beginning of the university, it has been a major goal to serve the Central Valley communities, and during this time of uncertainty, the university once again is coming together with the community to provide a safe learning environment for all students, this is being done throughout different departments providing a variety of resources for all.
Fresno State will have Dream Week from March 17th. to March 21st. This will be a week dedicated to sharing resources on Fresno State’s campus that advocate, support, and celebrate the experiences of undocumented students. More information is below:
Fresno State is a majority Hispanic-serving institution that will always be an ally for this community. All of these services are available to both U.S. citizens and non-citizens.