Support for Undocumented & Mixed Status Students

MiraCosta College has made a commitment to creating a racially just campus and to welcome, nurture, and validate individuals and their identities and diverse cultures.

Ways Employees Can Support

  1. Refer undocumented and mixed status students to campus resources:
    • the UPRISE program to receive holistic resources and services including Mental Health Counselor Nidya Ramirez Ibarra (nramirezibarra@miracosta.edu) for the UPRISE Mental Health Support Group.
    • Admissions and Records where students can confidentially obtain information and records (e.g., transcript, enrollment summary to verify to how long you have been in the U.S.)
  2. Follow the steps for "How to Engage with Immigration Officials on Campus" (access the handout here) including referring any Immigration Government Officials to Vice President of Student Services Alketa Wojcik (Superintendent/President designee)
  3. Familiarize yourself with the relevant policies and resources:
  4. Establish yourself as an ally and your space as a safer place for undocumented students. Register for the next UndocuAlly training here.
  5. Avoid making assumptions about the undocumented community. This community, just like others, is not a monolith. Please be aware of the intersectional identities that students may hold (e.g. UndocuQueer, UndocuBlack, etc.).
  6. Use inclusive language (do not use terms such as illegal or alien) and add welcoming language to your class syllabus. We recommend the language below:
    MiraCosta College is committed to supporting undocumented and mixed-status individuals, with a strong emphasis on fostering their personal and educational success. As an educator, I aim to create a welcoming and inclusive campus environment. I will ensure course accessibility and provide confidential accommodations for any immigration-related challenges. Your status is private, and sharing it is your choice. I value your trust and respect confidentiality. For more information on MiraCosta's resources for undocumented and mixed-status students, please visit miracosta.edu/uprise.
  7. Identify and share scholarship opportunities that do not require a Social Security Number and/or U.S. Citizenship. Please note that MiraCosta College scholarships are open to all students, including undocumented and international students.
  8. Refrain from providing students with legal advice and instead, please refer them to Jewish Family Services Higher Education Legal Services for free and confidential legal services to for college communities.
  9. Adhere to FERPA policies by keeping student information and records confidential, including from friends or family members who may request information on a student’s behalf. If a student is unable to obtain records themselves, follow up with Admissions and Records for guidance on proper procedures.  Do not disclose someone’s citizenship status or ask students to self-identify to you or out loud in class.
  10. Donate, either one-time or recurring, to the foundation fund to support undocumented students here. This fund provides emergency grants, professional development opportunities, and assistance with other immigration-related needs.

For questions about the information on this page or additional resources, please email idea@miracosta.edu

Additional Resources