Citizenship and Immigration FAQ and Support Resources

The Center for Intercultural Engagement consists of five offices that provide direct support for Oberlin’s campus community. These offices include the Multicultural Resource Commons (MRC), International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), Office of Religious and Spiritual Life (ORSL), the Office for Disability and Access (ODA), and Gender, Sexuality, and Attraction Initiatives (GSAI). 

Following is a list of frequently asked questions related to immigration enforcement and student and employee support on Oberlin’s campus. It is followed by a list of additional resources on the national level. If you have a question that is not addressed here, please contact the Center for Intercultural Engagement at cie@oberlin.edu.

FAQ for Students and Employees

I have a question about my status as a DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), undocumented, or international student. Whom can I ask?

All students with questions regarding their DACA, undocumented, or international student experience are encouraged to contact the Center for Intercultural Engagement at cie@oberlin.edu.

Where can I find support resources for international students and employees?

The International Student and Scholar Services team within the Center for Intercultural Engagement is available to assist with your questions and concerns. They can be reached at isss@oberlin.edu. 

What should I do if I become aware that a DACA, undocumented, or international student or employee needs monetary assistance, housing, or other support?

All Oberlin students seeking support are advised to visit our Campus Support Resources portal, which provides direct access to our Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) team within Student Health and Wellbeing. Support related to student financial concerns can be accessed via ObieCares. 

All Oberlin faculty and staff seeking support have access to the Employee Assistance Program as well as additional support services through Human Resources.

How can I learn about travel to or from campus as a DACA, undocumented, or international student or employee?

The Center for Intercultural Engagement has provided a 2025 Travel Bulletin to assist international members of the campus community.

Do governmental employees or other visitors to campus have access to residence hall spaces?

Generally speaking, only members of the Oberlin College and Conservatory community or their guests are permitted inside an Oberlin residence hall. If you see someone in a residence hall who is not a member of the campus community or a guest, please contact Campus Safety at 440-775-8444. 

Legal Obligations

What should I do if I receive an inquiry from a government agency? 

All inquiries regarding the citizenship or immigration status of an Oberlin student, faculty, or staff member should be directed to the General Counsel’s Office (Room 200 of Cox Administration Building, 70 North Professor Street; 440-775-8401). This includes all inquiries from governmental agencies. 

Please refer to the document Guidelines for Addressing Campus Visits by Government Law Enforcement Agencies for additional information.

What should I do if someone tries to serve me with a summons, subpoena, or other legal notice intended for the college?

All attempts to hand-deliver official documents from a governmental agency or other legal documents addressed to the college should be directed to the General Counsel’s Office. Please inform the individual that you do not have the authority to accept service of the document on behalf of the college and that the document should be taken instead to the General Counsel’s Office.

If you do come into possession of official legal documents, forward them immediately to the General Counsel’s Office, as they often have tight deadlines to respond.

Additional Resources

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): National Association to support the legal representation of rights for American citizens.

Higher Ed Immigration Portal: Platform that integrates data, policies, and resources about DACA and undocumented students and other immigrant, international, and refugee students.

Immigrants Rising: Provides financial, legal, and mental-health support for undocumented individuals, along with resources on art, entrepreneurship, higher education, and law and policy.

Migration Policy Institute: Offers up-to-date research and articles on migration policy at national and global levels.

National Immigration Law Center: Offers information on legal rights, education, economic support, news, and training opportunities for immigrants.

Understanding and Supporting Mixed Status Students in School: Offers tips for supporting students from mixed-status families in school settings.

U.S. Department of Education Resource Guide: Supporting Undocumented Youth: A guide for success in secondary and postsecondary education, including information on scholarships, financial aid eligibility, and legal guidelines.

National Civic Engagement Groups/Blogs

My Undocumented Life: Personal blog that caters to support for undocumented students. 

United We Dream: Empowers immigrant youth through justice initiatives, undocumented toolkits, research, and fellowships.

Financial Resources

TheDream.US: Provides scholarship and career opportunities for undocumented youth to attend institutions of higher education.