UPDATE: According to a second email from CSU Bakersfield, there are no plans for immigration efforts to be taken during the compliance audit on November 18. The email states that this is a long-standing practice, and typically, one representative from the Department of Homeland Security will conduct the audit, and there is no plan for any other agencies to be present.
On Monday, CSU Bakersfield sent out an email alerting students that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Domestic Operations Division, will be conducting an on-site compliance visit as part of an audit of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) on November 18.
They will be in the International Student Office in the Student Services Building at 9 a.m., and the Extended Education and Global Outreach (EEGO) in BDC-C at 11 a.m.
According to Jennifer Self, public information officer, this is a routine check that any university with international students must participate in. According to the email, they are not aware of any other planned immigration enforcement activities.
Self noted that with the current climate in the country, people may be afraid, and the email states that they understand the presence of DHS may cause unease, and provided resources for students.
- Emotional and Mental Wellness Resources
- Students have access to the CSUB Counseling Center located inside Rivendell Building or call (661) 654-3366.
- Faculty and staff can visit the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional and wellness support resources, using the company password.
- CSUB Resource Page for immigration enforcement on campus:
- Undocumented Students
- Dreamers Resource Center located inside Rohan Building
- CSU FAQ about federal immigration enforcement actions on university property, which provides detailed information about the CSU’s response to immigration enforcement activity on campus, including the limited role of university police officers. (See FAQ No. 1).
- CSU Immigration Legal Services Project – Sponsored by the California Department of Social Services, this statewide project provides free immigration legal services to all current students, staff (state and auxiliary), faculty, immediate family members of current students, recent graduates (who graduated within two years) and newly admitted students who have accepted their admissions.
- CSU Systemwide Resources Page – Systemwide services, international travel guidance and federal updates.
- Know Your Rights (Immigrant Legal Resource Center) – Basic legal information for encounters with federal immigration officials.
