Welcome to Our Community: Support for Undocumented Students
Hi ‘Cats!
Welcome to the “Support for Undocumented Students” page! We are Advancement for the Undocumented Community (AUC), a student group at Northwestern University dedicated to supporting undergraduate and graduate students who are undocumented or have undocumented family members. We’re here to let you know: you are not alone, and there is a community here for you. Our experiences may be different, but when we come together, we create a community that holds and supports one another. You are welcome here, and this space is yours. Together, we belong. We are here to walk this journey with you. Reach out, join us, and let’s build a stronger, supportive community together. With warmth and solidarity, AUC.
Events
Upcoming Events
- Thursday, December 4 from 3:30 - 4:30 PM CST - SUITE SPOT
Join Religious and Spiritual Life (RSL) for a time of snacks, community, and conversation!
Important Links
Quick Links to Resources
- Academic Support Services
- Career Resources
- Legal Resources
- Community of Support
- Student Support Services
- Immigration Policy Tracking Project
- Office of Illinois Attorney General: Know Your Rights Handout
- Chicago Mayor's Office Community Resources
- Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights Services: Case Management, Legal, Domestic Violence, LGBTQIA+, Mental Health and Healthcare Access, Human Trafficking, Family Support
Community Resources
Policies
- With Trump’s Crackdown on Immigration, Public School Enrollment Across the U.S. Is Dwindling. Schools across the country are reporting sharp declines in enrollment of immigrant students as fewer families arrive in the U.S. and others leave due to deportations, fear, or voluntary return under the Trump Administration’s intensified immigration crackdown. As a result, school districts from Miami to Denver to San Diego are experiencing unexpected budget shortfalls and are shuttering specialized programs. Educators and families describe widespread fear, lost educational opportunities, and a growing sense of isolation as children withdraw or fail to enroll. (PBS News – November 17, 2025)
- New International Student Enrollment Fell Sharply This Year Amid the Trump Administration’s Immigration Crackdown. New international student enrollment in U.S. colleges fell 17% in Fall 2025, the largest non-pandemic drop in over a decade, largely due to visa delays and application backlogs linked to the Trump Administration’s immigration policies. This decline threatens the U.S. economy, with estimates of a $1.1 billion loss and reduced support for over 355,000 jobs that international students typically help sustain. (NBC News – November 17, 2025)The DOJ Has Been Firing Judges With Immigration Defense Backgrounds.
- Judge’s Blistering Opinion Details Use of Force in Chicago-Area Immigration Crackdown.
A federal judge’s 223-page opinion reveals extensive body-camera evidence showing that agents used indiscriminate and unjustified force during the Chicago-area immigration crackdown known as “Operation Midway Blitz.” The district court judge found that agents repeatedly deployed tear gas, rubber bullets, and other munitions without warning, mocked injured protesters, violated the judge’s orders, and gave evasive or false testimony. Although the appeals court paused the judge’s order restricting federal agents’ use of force in Chicago, it indicated that a more narrowly crafted version could be coming. (AP News – November 21, 2025) - Cook County to Double Immigration Attorneys Amid National Debate on Raids. Cook County announced it will double the number of public defenders handling immigration cases next year, expanding its Immigration Division to better support residents detained in federal raids. Meanwhile in Washington, lawmakers heard testimony from Chicago activists describing what they say is excessive force by federal immigration agents during nationwide enforcement operations. (Fox 32 Chicago – November 19, 2025)