Undocumented Student Support

Stockton provides resources for all students, faculty, and staff regardless of immigration status. The university, to the fullest extent permitted by law, protects the identity and information of all members of our community.

Stockton’s approach aligns with resolutions of the New Jersey Legislature, affirming that college campuses should “continue to serve as a safe zone and resource center for students and their families threatened by immigration enforcement or discrimination.”

Stockton previously developed the following resources with student leaders:

  • Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Stockton already protects the academic records of all students, including any at-risk groups. The Office of General Counsel serves as the primary contact for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students concerned about their educational situations and will coordinate with Student Affairs, Academic Affairs and other offices as needed. All counseling services are confidential, as explicitly stated on Stockton’s website.
  • The university provides appropriate legal support and services to Stockton students based on their immigration status.
  • In the enforcement of civil immigration laws, the Stockton Police, faculty, and staff do not inquire about or record an individual’s immigration status and they do not actively participate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Civil Border Patrol activities.
  • Any engagement with ICE on campus will be required to follow due legal process, including requiring a valid subpoena or warrant, or court order, where appropriate.
  • The university supports ‘sensitive locations’ policies, which stipulate that enforcement actions generally are not to take place at schools, churches and similar sites. Stockton will also educate the university community about these policies.

  • As a public institution, Stockton’s public spaces are open to the general population. However, residential dormitories are subject to university rules/regulations that protect privacy and enhance security by limiting who, when, and for what purpose non-student/residents are allowed access. Federal authorities are not allowed into residential dormitories without a valid warrant.

  • Immigration status is not now, nor will it be in the future, a factor in student housing decisions. Stockton does not discriminate in any student housing decisions.

  • Stockton’s support for undocumented students also includes extending in-state tuition rates to them, which the university has done since the New Jersey Dream Act became law and Stockton will continue to do so.

We are grateful that our community, working together, will continue to advocate for policies in support of undocumented students. 

Resources