male students walking outside

Undocumented Student Resources

College of DuPage is dedicated to providing resources for undocumented students and their families. We support all members of our community, regardless of immigration status, and understand the unique challenges faced by undocumented, DACA and mixed-status students. To ensure every student feels welcomed and supported, College of DuPage has an Undocumented Student Liaison who connects students with campus and community resources, advocates for their needs and stays informed on policies that impact their education.

Getting Started at College of DuPage

New students to College of DuPage should start with submitting a general admissions application. Students should review the important tips below and continue to follow the steps to enrollment.

  • Undocumented and DACAmented students should submit the general application and not the international application.
  • The general application requires a social security number. To obtain an alternate identification number, contact your assigned admission representative or the Office of Admissions and Outreach at (630) 942-2626.
  • Use your full legal name; do not shorten your name or use nicknames.
  • Use your personal email; do not use a school or family email account.
  • Answer the question, “Are you a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident?” correctly and leave the “Visa Type” question blank. Only sections with a red asterisk are required to answer on the application.
  • Students seeking F1-Visa should submit an international admission application. For more information visit International Student Services.  

For questions about applying to COD or following the steps to enrollment, contact:

Students with last name A-L, contact:
Edward Ortega, M.S
Bilingual Admissions Representative
Hablo español
Phone: (630) 942-2075
Email: ortegae149@cod.edu

Students with last name M-Z, contact:
Admissions
Phone: (630) 942-2626
Email: admissions@cod.edu

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Immigration at COD

Find answers to common questions about immigration, your rights and the support available to you at College of DuPage. Learn about campus policies, legal protections, and resources for international and undocumented students, including guidance on what to do if you have concerns about immigration status, law enforcement or deportation.

Contact the Office of General Counsel inquiry line at (630) 942-3335. This line is dedicated for all inquiries related to potential ICE presence on campus. Office of General Counsel will coordinate with the COD Police Department and will serve as COD’s designated contact with ICE officers.  
Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights provides immigrant community resources including legal services, health care access, mental health services and more. You can reach the ICIRR Family Support Network at 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693). 
No, Illinois law prohibits COD Police from assisting federal agents in immigration enforcement. COD Police do not ask about immigration status, nor will they make arrests based solely on immigration status. 
No, your records are entitled to the same FERPA protection that otherwise governs student education records in the United States. 

You can contact one of the following offices:

  • Associate Vice President of Student Affairs: (630) 942-2492
  • Undocumented Student Resources: (630) 942-3146 
  • Counseling Services: (630) 942-3330 

Yes, calling immigration authorities on another student could violate the COD Student Code of Conduct if the action is done with the intent to harass, discriminate, or retaliate against the other student. 

Whether ICE can enter campus to take enforcement action depends on whether the area is considered public or nonpublic. ICE officers can enter public areas without a warrant, just like any member of the public. However, officers cannot access nonpublic areas of the campus without permission (i.e. consent) or without a criminal arrest warrant or search warrant to lawfully enter non-public areas. 

The difference between public and nonpublic spaces on a campus determines the level of access ICE officers have and whether they need a warrant or consent to enter. Nonpublic spaces include spaces where access to the public is limited, including spaces where access is restricted by key cards, faculty and administrator offices, classrooms in session, locker rooms, and other operational facilities. 

International students and scholars are subject to different rules than students without legal status in the United States. Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), colleges and universities may share certain information with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to meet federal program requirements. Apart from those cases, international student records receive the same privacy protections under FERPA as all other student education records in the U.S.

Illinois laws prohibit law enforcement from participating in actions to enforce immigration law. The following laws restrict participation in immigration enforcement by state and local law enforcement in Illinois and provide certain legal obligations to foreign nationals and immigrant victims of crime:

  • Illinois TRUST Act
  • The Way FORWARD Act 
  • VOICES Act
  • Keep Illinois Families Together Act    

 

These FAQs are intended to provide general information and guidance for students and employees. They will be updated as needed to reflect any changes in laws, regulations or campus policies related to immigration enforcement. We encourage you to check back periodically to ensure you have the most up-to-date information. 

Receiving Assistance Paying for College

Students are encouraged to research different scholarship opportunities. Scholarships are available for a variety of categories including community involvement, academic program or grade point average. Every scholarship has their own eligibility requirements.

Internal Scholarships

College of DuPage offers scholarship opportunities on a semester-by-semester basis. Fall scholarships are posted in January and due in March. Spring scholarships are posted in September and due in November. For more information, watch a video on applying for scholarships.

External Scholarships

External scholarships are open-to-the-public. Students are encouraged to follow organizations on social media for more information on scholarship opportunities. 

Students may be eligible apply either by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Alternative Application for Illinois. If you need help submitting your application, attend a Financial Aid Workshop. Students under political asylum or in the process of seeking residency should contact their Financial Aid Representative to determine eligibility.

FAFSA Application

In order to complete a FAFSA application, students must meet several eligibility requirements. Students of mixed status families may run into questions when submitting a FAFSA application. For more information, visit studentaid.gov.

Alternative Application for Illinois

Undocumented/DACAmented students may be eligible to apply for the Alternative Application for Illinois. To review eligibility requirements, visit the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

For additional questions regarding paying for college, contact their Financial Aid Representative.

Supporting Students with Immigration Concerns

As a College of DuPage employee, you may meet students who are worried about their immigration status or that of a friend or family member. These conversations can be sensitive and your response can make a difference. Here are a few ways you can offer support:

  • Listen with empathy. Create a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment where students feel safe sharing their concerns.
  • Avoid offering legal advice. Instead, refer students to our list of Undocumented Student Resources for accurate information and trusted referrals.
  • Highlight campus and community resources. In addition to COD's services, students can connect with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights or World Relief Chicago. 
  • Encourage Counseling Services. COD counselors are trained to support the mental and emotional well-being of all students. Students can also schedule a free appointment with a COD Wellness Professional by logging onto their MyAccess COD portal and under “Schedule an Appointment,” and "Wellness Services."
  • Promote Open Space discussions. Encourage students to attend Open Space: Reflect Process and Discuss in The Hub (SSC 1138) every Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. for a supportive, open discussion to share thoughts, listen and connect with other students. 
  • When Immigration Meets Education Presentation: Held on Nov. 6, 2025, this was a discussion of the current state of immigration policy, what it means for higher education and how it affects our campus community.

teacher and student working together

Contacting Counseling, Advising & Transfer Services

The following counselors have experience in working with undocumented and DACAmented students, as well as working with mixed-status families:

Devin Chambers, Counselor
Email: chambersd62@cod.edu

Laura Kaslow, Counselor
Hablo español
Email: leinweberl@cod.edu

Rosie Carbajal-Romo, Counselor
Hablo español
Email: carbajal-romor@cod.edu

 

Undocumented Student Resources

The following resources provide a wealth of information on education, health care, housing, legal assistance, legislation updates and emergency aid. Follow these organizations on social media for updates. 

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding admission, financial aid, or counseling, advising, and transfer services, contact the department directly. For all other questions, please contact: 

InterCultural Student Initiatives (ISI)
Student Service Center (SSC), Room 1111

Elizabeth Gómez de la Casa, Manager, Intercultural and Latino Student Initiatives;
Undocumented Student Liaison and Student Support
Hablo español
Phone: (630) 942-3146 
Email: gomezdelacasae@cod.edu