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Our Commitment
RTC reaffirms our commitment to welcoming all students, regardless of immigration status, as part of our mission of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Here are some important reminders about your rights and our policies.
- We have no legal obligation or affirmative duty to enforce federal immigration law. That is the responsibility of federal law enforcement agencies. We have established protocols if federal immigration officers come to campus.
- Neither U.S. citizenship nor permanent residency (a green card) is required to attend RTC. Undocumented students may enroll in classes and programs.
- RTC does not make admissions decisions about students based on their immigration status and does not request immigration documentation except as needed to determine the eligibility for resident tuition rates.
- As an institution of higher learning, we protect freedom of speech and the academic freedom of faculty, staff, and students to express opinions regarding political or policy issues. We do not tolerate harassment, threats, or hate crimes as defined under our student conduct code, RTC's Equal Opportunity/Nondiscrimination Policy, or applicable law.
Resources for Students
FAQ on ICE protocols
Renton Technical College welcomes everyone and celebrates the richness of our diverse community as part of our mission of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
RTC employees will never ask anyone about their immigration status nor report it to any agency. The college will not act on detainers issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). We have no legal obligation or affirmative duty to enforce federal immigration law. That is the responsibility of federal law enforcement agencies. We have established protocols if federal immigration officers come to campus.
Federal immigration enforcement officers may enter areas open to the public without a warrant. Limitations may apply to classrooms, offices, and areas where access is restricted by key cards. ICE or federal officials from the Department of Homeland Security may be on campus for reasons unrelated to enforcement actions.
Federal immigration enforcement officers are required to have a criminal arrest or search warrant to lawfully enter limited access, nonpublic areas without consent. Most often, immigration officers who might come to campus would be acting on civil, not criminal, authority, and generally carry administrative warrants. Administrative warrants are not signed by a judge and do not authorize officers to enter limited access areas without consent.
Not without a criminal warrant or consent. A student need not allow entry to any law enforcement officer who is not in possession of a criminal warrant, regardless of what that officer might say.
Individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy in their homes, both on and off campus. A warrant of removal/deportation (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) warrant) is a civil or administrative warrant and is not signed by a judge. Administrative warrants do not authorize officers to enter a home without consent. If an immigration officer has a civil or administrative warrant, undocumented students have a personal choice whether to grant consent to enter their residence. However, if a law enforcement officer has a criminal search or arrest warrant signed by a judge, the officer does not need consent to enter the apartment or arrest an individual named in the warrant.
In all cases, individuals have the right to remain silent under the 5th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and do not need to answer questions, or sign or provide any documents without a lawyer present. You can refer to the Know Your Rights Information from the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project.
DACA Status
Refer to the DACA website for updates to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.
In Washington, state law supports undocumented students with and without DACA: Undocumented students may be eligible for resident college tuition and state financial aid, including the new Washington College Grant
Undocumented students and other non-citizens who are not eligible for federal financial aid can apply for state financial aid using the WASFA.
Mental Health
RTC's Behavioral Health Services therapists provide free and confidential counseling and crisis assistance to current students experiencing personal concerns. Reach them at behavioralhealth@rtc.edu
Regional and National Help
- Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs
- King County Immigrant and Refugee Program
- Northwest Immigrants Rights Project
- Collectiva Legal Del Pueblo
- ACLU
- One America
Resources for Allies
Things to know
Undocumented students can go to college. It is legal, but we recognize it is not easy. Immigration laws change frequently, and their situation could change in the future, causing uncertainty.
Confidentiality
It is important to remember that the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) prohibits schools from providing any outside agency—including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)—with any information from a student's school file that would expose their immigration status. Immigration status should be treated like other student information, such as participating in Running Start or receiving Disability Resource Services accommodations. If an undocumented student discloses their immigration status to you, you must protect their privacy and confidentiality.
Financial aid
Even though undocumented students are not eligible for FAFSA, they might be eligible for in-state financial aid.
Most undocumented students:
- Are courageous, resilient, and resourceful
- Often Attend elementary, middle, or high school in the U.S.
- Want to pursue a college education to better their lives
- Often work to pay for school and to help their families
Undocumented students may need support with:
- Understanding the financial aid and enrollment processes
- Referrals to legal, government, or health providers
- Financial struggles or changes in their current situation
- Academic advising
- Becoming a legal permanent resident or U.S. citizen
There are plenty of resources to help you direct students. Here is a helpful guide.