April 29, 2025 - Support for Our International and Undocumented Students and Employees
Dear Campus Community,
Commencement is just around the corner, and our calendar is filled with celebrations that highlight the achievements of our students, faculty, and staff. Yet even in this season of celebration, I recognize that many in our community continue to carry the weight of ongoing uncertainty and anxiety due to ongoing federal actions around immigration.
In recent weeks, more than 1,000 international students nationwide were affected by visa revocations and Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) terminations. This included dozens of students within the CSU system—Chico State students and recent graduates among them. While many have been returned to active status recently, it remains unsettling for everyone involved. We are dedicated to providing any impacted students and employees with individualized support and guidance and remain unwavering in our commitment to our international students and scholars.
Our Office of International Education and Global Engagement (IEGE) is working closely with the California State University Chancellor’s Office to support affected students. Additionally, all CSU students, employees, and their immediate family members can access free immigration legal services through the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA). International students who have concerns about their visa status are encouraged to contact IEGE directly for confidential support and available resources.
We also recognize the continued concerns of our undocumented students, employees, and their families, who face ongoing threats of immigration enforcement across the country. While no incidents have occurred at Chico State, we are closely monitoring situations at other institutions and remain committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment where all students—regardless of immigration status—are respected, valued, and supported.
As a reminder, Chico State will not assist federal immigration officials engaged in enforcement activities on campus, including those from Immigration and Customs Enforcement or Customs and Border Protection unless they present a judicial warrant or subpoena. If you witness or hear about an immigration officer on campus, please immediately contact our designated official, Joseph Morales, at 530-898-3971. All employees are also welcome to complete Immigration Enforcement Training offered by the CSU to be prepared in the event that an immigration officer requests access to a space or information about a student or employee.
To provide clear information and accessible resources, we’ve launched a new Immigration Resources webpage. The page highlights legal support options, counseling services, Dream Center information, links to downloadable “Know Your Rights” Red Cards, FAQs, and official guidance from the CSU and California Attorney General. I encourage everyone to review and bookmark it.
As we begin to look toward summer, I also want to echo guidance from the Chancellor’s Office: Students and employees with nonimmigrant visas (such as F-1, J-1, or H-1B), refugee status, TPS, permanent residency, or undocumented status are strongly encouraged to exercise caution when considering international travel. While the decision to travel is personal, we urge you to consult with legal or immigration experts before making plans.
At Chico State, our focus remains on reminding our campus community that you belong here. The University is committed to our students’ education, your safety, and your success. If you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the offices mentioned above. And if you are not directly impacted, I encourage you to check in with your classmates, colleagues, and friends. A hallmark of our Wildcat community is how we show up for each other—with empathy, respect, and compassion.
Thank you for helping ensure that every Wildcat knows they are welcome and valued at Chico State,Steve Perez