FAQs

CU Boulder is a public institution, and most of the campus is open to the public. Classrooms in buildings that are open to the public are also considered public spaces.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and other federal immigration authorities may enter areas open to the public.

It is critical to note that ICE officers are required to present a judicial warrant –– a criminal arrest or search warrant signed by a judge – to lawfully enter university spaces on or off campus that provide limited access or are not open to the public. Residence halls, restricted buildings and other nonpublic, limited-access areas on and off campus carry privacy interests – and a person need not provide consent to ICE officers who do not present a judicial warrant signed by a judge in these instances.

Restricted buildings and spaces include:

• Buildings with locked doors
• Buildings with restricted access requiring a university-issued ID card (BuffOne)
• Classrooms in residence halls and other nonpublic, limited-access spaces
• Residence halls with monitored entryways

More information on campus access types is available in the guide on how to handle ICE requests.

Colorado law prohibits law enforcement officers, including CUPD officers, from acting on ICE detainers or stopping, arresting or searching an individual based solely on immigration status.

The 2019 Protect Colorado Residents from Federal Overreach Act also bars law enforcement agencies from jailing inmates based solely on an ICE detainer request.

University employees and students should immediately call the CU Boulder Police Department (CUPD) dispatch at 303-492-6666 (24/7) for assistance, ask the immigration officer for their name, identification number and agency affiliation, and ask the officer to wait until additional guidance is provided by CUPD.

It is critical to note that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) ICE officers are required to present a judicial warrant –– a criminal arrest or search warrant signed by a judge – to lawfully enter university spaces on or off campus that provide limited access or are not open to the public. Residence halls, restricted buildings and other nonpublic, limited-access areas on and off campus carry privacy interests – and a person need not provide consent to ICE officers who do not present a judicial warrant signed by a judge in these instances.

Restricted buildings and spaces include:

• Buildings with locked doors
• Buildings with restricted access requiring a university-issued ID card (BuffOne)
• Classrooms in residence halls and other nonpublic, limited-access spaces
• Residence halls with monitored entryways

More information on campus access types is available in the guide on how to handle ICE requests.

If an ICE officer asks to enter a residence hall room, university employees and students should immediately call the CU Boulder Police Department (CUPD) dispatch at 303-492-6666 (24/7) for assistance, ask the immigration officer for their name, identification number and agency affiliation, and ask the officer to wait until additional guidance is provided by CUPD.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers are required to present a judicial warrant – a criminal arrest or search warrant signed by a judge – or receive consent to lawfully enter university spaces on or off campus that provide limited access or are not open to the public. Residence halls, restricted buildings and other nonpublic, limited-access areas on and off campus carry privacy interests – and a person need not provide consent to ICE officers who do not present a judicial warrant signed by a judge in these instances.

Restricted buildings and spaces include:

• Buildings with locked doors
• Buildings with restricted access requiring a university-issued ID card (BuffOne)
• Classrooms in residence halls and other nonpublic, limited-access spaces
• Residence halls with monitored entryways

More information on campus access types is available in the guide on how to handle ICE requests.

CU Boulder has processes for individuals to share concerns and request support, including several reporting options through CUPD and the Don't Ignore It website. When concerns are reported, they are evaluated and addressed through tailored processes depending on the involved populations. Anyone with emergency issues should call or text 911.

Those who need additional support may also contact the following offices:

• Counseling and Psychiatric Services
  • CAPS serves CU Boulder students
  • Contact: 303-492-2277 (24/7 phone)
  • Clinic hours: M/T/Th/F 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wed. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Faculty and Staff Assistance Program
  • FSAP serves CU Boulder faculty and staff
  • Contact: 303-492-3020 or request appointment
  • Clinic hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Immigration Law Clinic at Colorado Law
  • The clinic is open to any Colorado resident seeking assistance with immigration-related matters
  • Contact: 303-492-5830 or email clinic director, Professor Violeta Chapin
  • Clinic hours: walk-in appointments Mon.-Thurs. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Dean of Students
  • Undergraduate student contact: deanofstudents@colorado.edu
  • Graduate student contact: gradinfo@colorado.edu 

ICE officers cannot enter student housing on or off campus without a judicial warrant or consent in most circumstances. Residence halls, restricted buildings and other nonpublic, limited-access areas on and off campus carry privacy interests – and a person need not provide consent to ICE officers who do not present a judicial warrant signed by a judge in these instances.

Restricted buildings and spaces include:

• Buildings with locked doors
• Buildings with restricted access requiring a university-issued ID card (BuffOne)
• Classrooms in residence halls and other nonpublic, limited-access spaces
• Residence halls with monitored entryways

More information on campus access types is available in the guide on how to handle ICE requests.

Students seeking legal guidance for these scenarios can contact the Immigration Law Clinic or the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition.

Local law enforcement officers are required by law to take action when a judge has signed a valid judicial warrant, such as a criminal arrest warrant or search warrant, which cannot be ignored. A judicial warrant alone would be sufficient to authorize law enforcement action

Local law enforcement officers may cooperate with or assist ICE officers in the execution of a valid judicial warrant signed by a judge

Law enforcement officers may inquire about an individual’s country of origin to notify their consulate of an arrest, but those inquiries do not include questions about immigration status.

Learn more about the difference between administrative and judicial warrants and subpoenas.

Students and employees can seek legal guidance through the Immigration Law Clinic at Colorado Law. The clinic is open to any Colorado resident seeking assistance with immigration-related matters and can be reached by phone at 303-492-5830 or by contacting Professor Violeta Chapin, the clinic’s director, via email. The clinic accepts walk-in appointments Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Under the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution individuals have the right to remain silent and do not need to answer questions or sign or provide any documents without an attorney present.

In this instance, CU Boulder employees should start by asking the immigration officer for their name, identification number and agency affiliation and ask them to wait while the employee notifies CUPD. Employees should call CUPD at 303-492-6666 (24/7) to notify them of the presence of a non-CU affiliated, federal law enforcement officer on campus.

Personally identifiable educational records of students are protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). University health records of students, faculty and staff are protected by the Health Insurance Privacy and Accountability Act (HIPAA). All CU Boulder employees are required to maintain the confidentiality of these records for all individuals with such records on campus.

The university is not obligated to comply with requests for student or employee records without a subpoena or warrant. Under FERPA, a valid subpoena, warrant, or court order is required for nonconsensual access to student records. Various legal frameworks also protect most employee records such as personnel documents and files. Contact campus counsel if you have questions about a request for student or employee records.

Similar restrictions exist for other federal agencies that may hold information, such as the Department of Education for the Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for mixed status families. FAFSA information also may be protected by Section 483(a)(3)(E) of the Higher Education Act. Federal tax information is also protected. Federal agencies are subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, but there are exceptions.

Moreover, FAFSA data held by the Department of Education is protected by FERPA if the applicant becomes a student at the institution. If federal agency policies were to change, it is likely that attempts to use DACA data for broader enforcement efforts would be challenged in court based on previous guidance. It is too soon to assess the nature and chances of success of those challenges.

It is important to note that ICE or federal Department of Homeland Security officials may be on campus for reasons unrelated to enforcement actions, such as recruitment events, lectures or routine reporting by the appropriate campus office related to visa status of international students and scholars. The university is required to report certain information about F-1 or J-1 visa status students to ICE, and must comply with on-site visits to review records when requested.

No. Since DACA is a federal regulation, termination of the program would have to go through the lengthy formal rulemaking process.

The DACA regulation explicitly states that data will not be disclosed to ICE or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers for the purpose of immigration enforcement proceedings unless certain criteria are met, such as concerns related to national security, fraud or misrepresentation or specific criminal offenses.

Yes. Like other students, undocumented students can continue to visit Medical Services at the Wardenburg Health Center to consult with a health care provider.

International students and scholars are affected differently. Requests for student information, including requests made by government agents, are generally subject to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which limits the university’s ability to release such information except in certain circumstances.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations explicitly state that specific information about students in F-1 student visa status must be provided to DHS representatives upon request. FERPA does not apply to disclosures in this context. If a federal government official requests that a CU Boulder employee provide information regarding an international student, employee, or visitor who is sponsored for a visa by the university, those requests should be referred to International Student and Scholar Services immediately. Inquiries may also be sent by email to isss@colorado.edu or by phone at 303-492-8057. 

The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) website offers information, resources and support services specifically for international undergraduate and graduate students; postdocs; teaching and research faculty; staff employees; non-paid visitors, including short-term visitors and unpaid researchers; and recent alumni in Optional Practical Training status.

We are aware that the federal government’s terminations of international students’ visa status are causing anxiety and uncertainty among international students and scholars who are pursuing their academic and research goals.

The CU System office issued this statement on April 1 regarding recent student visa terminations impacting our community. The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) team is working diligently to provide information and support to any impacted students and the international community on our campus. ISSS continues to regularly access the federal immigration database for changes to students’ visa records, and ISSS will directly communicate with any impacted students. The office will reach out directly to schools, departments and units on campus should we require their assistance.

In general, ISSS continues to provide awareness and support to international students and scholars on our campus experiencing visa-related issues in a variety of ways, including news alerts on our website, in-person and remote advising, email and The ISSS News. The office’s sole focus remains on supporting the international community on campus, and those international students and scholars who need support may send emails to isss@colorado.edu or phone 303-492-8057 to get connected with an ISSS advisor. 

The campus has provided resources to the campus community on how to engage with ICE on campus and how employees may share their experiences and voice their opinions with those who hold public office. More information is available on the university’s internal Federal Transition webpage, which the campus community can access by using an IdentiKey login.

No, you do not need to enter a Social Security Number (SSN) on your admissions application. For additional information see Admissions Information for Undocumented Students and Social Security Number and Card — Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals.

ASSET (Advancing Students for a Stronger Economy Tomorrow) is a Colorado law adopted on April 29, 2013, allowing eligible undocumented students to pay in-state tuition and receive the Colorado Opportunity Fund (COF) stipend at Colorado public colleges and universities.

DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) is a 2012 executive order from President Obama that grants deferred deportation action (renewable every two years), a Social Security Number (SSN) and employment authorization.

Students who qualify for ASSET do not automatically qualify for DACA and vice versa. A student may qualify for ASSET or DACA only, qualify for both, or qualify for neither. These policies do not automatically grant federal financial aid or a path to U.S. citizenship.

If you are interested in gaining residency through ASSET, contact the Tuition Classification Team directly. You may visit the Exceptions to One-Year Domicile webpage for more information (view the ASSET/Three-Year Colorado High School drop down tab under the section Colorado High School Exceptions).

Students attending CU Boulder under DACA or ASSET do not qualify for federal or state financial aid. These students are eligible for the College Opportunity Fund (COF) and may be eligible for institutional and foundational funds. We encourage students attending CU Boulder under DACA or ASSET to apply for scholarships here.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) is not tied to ASSET, however DACA and non-DACA students may receive in-state tuition and COF as long as ASSET residency requirements are met. Eligibility for ASSET in-state residency begins with three years of Colorado high school attendance and completion of a Colorado GED or High School graduation. See additional ASSET requirements.

No. If you are undocumented or have undocumented parents or family members, you may feel nervous about completing a government application to apply for financial aid. However, the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) has a financial aid application designed to help undocumented Colorado students, and protect their information.

The information you provide when you complete the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA) is never shared with federal agencies. It used only to determine your eligibility for state and university financial aid in Colorado. For more privacy information, visit the CDHE website. To apply, visit the Office of Financial Aid website.

Student employees who are working on campus are encouraged to review the Frequently Asked Questions: Rescission of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) for information about employment authorization documents and employment eligibility.

Individuals who have DACA must receive approval for Advanced Parole prior to travel abroad. More information can be found on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website. 

While Advanced Parole is intended to provide permission for international travel and re-entry to the US for individuals with DACA, please still discuss your plans with legal support to be sure you understand the process, timeline and any risks involved.  Find out about legal support services through the Colorado Law School or email Prof. Violeta Chapin and her law students in the Immigration Law Defense Clinic at the Colorado Law School.

Currently if an individual does not have DACA, that individual may not be able to travel outside the U.S. without risking a bar from re-entry.

For support, the Faculty & Staff Assistance Program is dedicated to serving the emotional and psychological needs of the campus community. All FSAP staff are trained as generalist counselors and are equipped to deal with a wide range of personal and work-related issues. Contact FSAP at 303-492-3020.

These sessions are sponsored by the CU Boulder Center for Inclusion and Social Change. They provide the university community with a framework for understanding the issues and challenges faced by students and staff who do not possess permanent immigration documents or a clear path to U.S. citizenship, and offer practical advice for those who wish to support the campus's DACA/ASSET community. 

Student employees, faculty and staff who are working on campus and are on DACA status are encouraged to review the Frequently Asked Questions: Rescission of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) for more information about employment authorization documents (EAD) and employment eligibility.

Please contact CU Boulder HR I-9 office at 303-735-8191 or I-9forms@colorado.edu. For additional I-9 information, office location, and hours visit the CU Boulder HR I-9 webpage.

Visit the Presidents’ Immigration Alliance for guidance on this matter.

Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network is specializing in legal and other support for individuals held in detention due to immigration-related issues: https://www.rmian.org/ or call 303-433-2812 (Hotline for detainees: 303-866-9308).

Colorado state senators and U.S. congressional representative information is available at govtrack (Boulder resides in the 2nd Congressional District).

State House of Representatives (Boulder is district 10) and Senate (Boulder is district 18) information is available on the Colorado General Assembly site.