Undergraduate and graduate students at Illinois may have family or other loved ones who are impacted by detention, deportation, or self-removal related to immigration enforcement. Deportation of a loved one may create financial, academic, and psychological strain on college students. Information in this resource is provided as potential resources.
Immigrant Student Support
Immigrant Student Support (previously Undocumented Student Support) in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion provides resources and services to students whose family may be negatively impacted by immigration enforcement. Immigrant Student Support coordinates support through direct support to impacted students and technical assistance for campus units. Contact undocumented@illinois.edu or call Ross Wantland, Interim Director, Academic Inclusive Excellence, at 217-244-1814.
Emergency Student Assistance
The Connie Frank CARE Center in the Dean of Students office helps individuals understand university policies and procedures, connect with campus resources, assist in communication with instructors, and provides support in times of distress. Visit the Connie Frank CARE Center website or call 217-333-0050 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Additional University Resources
Academic Support
Impacted students should speak with their college, department, or academic advisor to discuss their options, which could include reducing courseload or withdrawal. Academic advisors will make a case-by-case recommendation based on the particulars of a student’s situation.
If a student needs to officially withdraw from all courses for a term (or semester) after the first day of instruction, the Office of Registrar maintains a Withdrawal Information page with detailed information about the schedule and process.
Legal Assistance
The College of Law’s Immigration Law Clinic represents non-citizen clients in a multitude of humanitarian immigration matters. For more information, contact the Immigration Law Clinic at law-clinics@illinois.edu or 217-244-9494 to set up an appointment.
In addition, several local and Illinois-based immigration organizations provide legal assistance and other resources.
- University YMCA New American Welcome Center – Contact at 217-417-5897 or welcome@universityymca.org.
- The Immigration Project – Contact at 309-829-8703 or info@immigrationproject.org.
- Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights – Contact at 1-855-435-7693 (available in English, Spanish, Korean and Polish) or visit icirr.org.
Mental Health Support
It may help to discuss the situation with a confidential resource. The university offers crisis, walk-in, and by appointment supportive services. Visit the Student Affairs Mental Health page for a list of campus mental health supports.
- Local 24/7 Crisis Line 217-359-4141 (TTY 217-352-4217) or 988 for national crisis line
- Counseling Center 217-333-3704
- McKinley Mental Health 217-333-2700
Financial Aid
For information about the financial aid process for withdrawing or reducing hours or to learn about short-term loan options, the Office of Student Financial Aid website.
Basic Needs
For resources such as access to food, housing, healthcare, childcare, transportation, and other financial resources, the Basic Needs division of the Connie Frank CARE Center can provide support and referrals. For more information, contact Abisola Smith, Campus Benefits Navigator, at 217-333-0050 or basicneeds@illinois.edu.
Housing Contracts
For questions about University Housing, University Housing Hallmarks includes information about residence hall contracts and policies, including contract cancellation for university withdrawal.
For questions about Private Certified Housing contract changes, please contact the residence hall office directly or the Private Certified Housing office at 217-333-1420 or certhsg@illinois.edu.
If you have issues with a manager or landlord, Student Legal Services may be able to help in some situations.
For additional questions or resources, contact undocumented@illinois.edu or 217-244-1814.