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Resources for Beavers Navigating Immigration Matters

For more than 150 years, Oregon State has advanced its land grant mission by broadening pathways to higher education, pursuing innovative research to solve the world’s biggest problems and engaging communities throughout the state, nation and world to expand prosperity. Core to this mission is the university’s commitment to inclusive excellence and incorporating all voices and multiple perspectives in all we do.

Consistent with its commitment to success for all students, OSU supports and values international students, students with DACA and undocumented students. OSU complies with all federal and state laws related to immigration, including Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise Laws.  

Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise Law states: 

  • University, state and local law enforcement agencies within Oregon cannot investigate or interrogate individuals for immigration enforcement purposes.

  • The university does not release confidential student or employee information to federal immigration enforcement agencies except as required by law, valid warrant, subpoena or court order.

  • All voluntary requests from federal agencies to the university related to civil immigration enforcement will be denied, documented and reported to the Oregon Department of Justice.

The university also complies with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This federal legislation protects the privacy of student records and regulates how information is used. Release of student records at Oregon State University is bound by FERPA, the Oregon Revised Statutes, and by OSU’s own privacy policies. For more information on FERPA, visit the Office of the Registrar. 

It is OSU’s standard practice to refer all federal immigration enforcement officials and related inquiries to the OSU Office of the General Counsel at 541-737-8332. Consult the Office of the General Counsel before responding to any request for immigration information.

Be aware: Recent news regarding immigration enforcement has increased cases of individuals impersonating U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or police officers to intimidate individuals to induce individuals into providing personal information or money. These impersonators may use technology that displays an "ICE" phone number on the caller ID. 

If you receive a suspicious call or are contacted by someone who claims to be part of an immigration enforcement agency who threatens deportation, take down as much information as possible, including names and badge numbers, and report scams and impersonations to OSU's Department of Safety (DPS) by calling 541-737-7000, or by contacting local law enforcement. University and local law enforcement agencies are not permitted to assist with immigration enforcement activities under Oregon's Sanctuary Promise laws.