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
- Fridays at 9:00 PM CST - 2131 Tech Drive
Friday Nights at the Dearborn Observatory - The Dearborn Observatory is open for public viewing every Friday night from 9 to 11 pm during the spring and summer months (Apr-Sept). The sessions are free and open to all. Reservations are required for the first hour but walk-ins are welcome in the second hour. All visitors should note that the dome is neither heated nor air-conditioned so please dress appropriately. Friday evening sessions are held "rain or shine."
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
- Feds Barred from Axing 30-Year Noncitizen Services, for Now. A federal judge blocked a Trump administration policy requiring immigration status checks for access to federally funded services like Head Start and food banks. The court ruled that the policy is likely unconstitutional and “arbitrary and capricious,” citing the lack of public input and failure to consider the impact on millions who rely on these programs. (Law360 – September 10, 2025)
- What Chicago Colleges Are Telling Students to Do During Increased Federal Immigration Enforcement. In response to President Trump’s “Operation Midway Blitz,” Chicago colleges are urging undocumented and international students to take safety precautions. The University of Illinois Chicago advised students to carry ID, avoid risky situations, limit social media use, and report federal encounters to campus police. DePaul University reminded students that immigration agents need a signed warrant to enter campus buildings and encouraged them to contact legal or safety officials if approached. While Northwestern and the University of Chicago did not issue public guidance, both remain subject to the Illinois Trust Act, which prohibits campus police from cooperating with immigration authorities. (WBEZ Chicago – September 9, 2025)