Harvard's Policies
On Undocumented Students
Having seen Act on a Dream's mission and efforts to provide a platform for Undocumented peoples in Harvard and around the world, I wanted to include Harvard's actions as well, as a form of comparison and display of the overlaps and gaps of support.
As noted in a statement on Harvard University website, Harvard University aims to fulfill its promise of excellence in research and teaching by attracting and welcoming into the community individuals of exceptional talent.
The University does not make citizenship status a condition for admission to any of Harvard’s Schools. With the admissions decision comes a commitment to every person who has been admitted, regardless of immigration status. As President Faust has recently noted, we are all Harvard.
"As an early and fervent public supporter of the DREAM Act, I feel particular concern about our undocumented students ... Our support for them is strong and unequivocal."
Remarks by President Faust at the meeting of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, December 6, 2016
(Questions below were listed in the FAQ sheet provided by the Harvard Immigration and Refugee Clinic (HIRC).
Does Harvard admit and enroll undocumented students? Are they eligible for financial aid?
Harvard admits, enrolls, and provides financial aid to students without regard to their citizenship or immigration status. There is no state or federal law that prohibits enrolling undocumented students. While undocumented students typically are not eligible for federal financial aid, students can still receive grants and loans from Harvard or other sources.
In addition, the University may provide undocumented students with financial assistance to cover costs of certain immigration applications, including the $495 DACA renewal fee.
Will I lose my financial aid from Harvard if my DACA expires or is revoked?
No. Undocumented students and students with deferred action protection rely on the same grants and loans from Harvard as international students. Because your financial aid does not come from the federal government, your financial aid is not dependent on DACA.
What does being a sanctuary campus mean? How am I protected if Harvard is not one?
The “sanctuary campus” label is based on the “sanctuary city” concept. The general idea is that the institution, be it a university or city, has a policy of not voluntarily turning over undocumented immigrants to federal immigration officials and will not voluntarily assist with immigration enforcement efforts. Cambridge has designated itself a sanctuary city. While Harvard has declined to declare itself a sanctuary campus, it has longstanding policies that provide similar protections. The University does not voluntarily share information on the immigration status of undocumented community members, and federal officials attempting to enforce immigration laws on campus are required to obtain a judicial warrant or other valid legal process requiring the University to provide access or assistance to federal agents.
Consistent with the policies of both Cambridge and Boston, Harvard’s Police Department also does not inquire about the immigration status of any Harvard-affiliated persons it encounters. Furthermore, the Harvard Immigration and Refugee Clinic provides confidential legal advice to members of the Harvard community. Information communicated to HIRC attorneys is protected from disclosure to the government by the attorney-client privilege.
University and Campus Policies
“Chief Francis D. Riley of the Harvard University Police Department (HUPD) issued a message restating the HUPD’s practice of not inquiring about the immigration status of faculty, students, or staff and noting that the department is not involved in enforcing federal immigration laws. This is consistent with the policies of the cities of Boston and Cambridge. Furthermore, the University does not and will not voluntarily share information on the immigration status of undocumented members of our community. And, as a matter of longstanding policy, law enforcement officials seeking to enter campus are expected to check in first with the HUPD and, in cases involving the enforcement of the immigration laws, will be required to obtain a warrant.”
How does Harvard protect the privacy of students’ personal information?
Harvard University, while not technically a “sanctuary campus,” has a policy of protecting students’ personal information, including immigration status.
Regarding immigration status, the Harvard Administration has previously stated: “While we will not declare Harvard a ‘sanctuary campus’, we have made clear that the Harvard University Police Department does not inquire about the immigration status of faculty, students, or staff, and the department is not involved in enforcing federal immigration laws. The University does not and will not voluntarily share information on the immigration status of undocumented members of the community, and law enforcement officials seeking to enter campus must first check with campus police and obtain a warrant for cases involving immigration laws.”1
Are there exceptions to the general rule that Harvard won’t disclose a student’s personal information?
Harvard may be legally required to disclose a student’s personal information if it receives a valid, enforceable request from law enforcement or a court, such as a warrant or subpoena.
What kind of safety plan should I come up with?
- Have your immigration information in a place that is quickly accessible and let a family member or friend with immigration status know where this information is, so that he or she can easily access it in case of an emergency.
- Memorize the phone numbers of a qualified lawyer and of a family member or friend with lawful immigration status whom you can call if picked up by ICE.
- Know what rights you have and what course of action you will take when speaking to immigration enforcement officials.
- The right to remain silent;
- The right to refuse to open your door to immigration or law enforcement officials who do not have a signed judicial warrant;
- The right to a lawyer (in immigration proceedings, at your own expense); ando The right not to sign any document without first speaking with a lawyer.
Can immigration officials conduct deportation activities on Harvard’s campus?
Currently the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has a policy of not taking “enforcement actions” at “sensitive locations,” including colleges and universities.
