Undocumented Students
Kishwaukee College has an open-door admission policy and welcomes members of its community regardless of background, identity or status and is committed to addressing complex issues facing our student community. Kish is committed to a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, focused on respect and fairness, in all aspects of the College experience.
Disclosure: The information shared on this page is general and informational only. This page does not constitute legal advice and is subject to change at any time. Kish is committed to supporting a diverse culture and is committed to its safety.
FAQ’s
Kish offers resources to our students and community members who may feel uncomfortable interacting with police. Anyone with emergency issues should call 911. For non-emergency safety concerns, you can contact the following areas:
• Academic Advising: onestop@kish.edu or 815-826-9375
• Undocumented Liaison, Colleen Tumminaro : 815-825-9471
• Submit a H.U.B Referral Request
Illinois state law prohibits law enforcement from acting on federal detainers or stopping, arresting or searching an individual based solely on immigration status (5 ILCS 805/-Illinois TRUST Act). As of June 21, 2019, the Keep Illinois Families Together Act (5 ILCS 835) officially prohibits state and local law enforcement in the state of Illinois from entering into 287(g) agreements with ICE.
If you encounter ICE officers on campus, please remain calm and politely refer them to the Director of Campus Safety and Security or the on-campus DeKalb County Sheriff's Office.
- Director of Campus Safety and Security: 815-825-9465 (Room C2177)
- DeKalb County Sheriff's Office (on-campus): 815-825-9529 (Room C2177)
They will notify the Vice President of Student Services and manage the situation accordingly.
Public areas (accessible without a judicial warrant) are spaces open to the public, where anyone may enter without special permission. ICE agents, like members of the public, generally do not need a judicial warrant to be present in these areas:
- Sidewalks and outdoor campus grounds
- Parking lots
- Building lobbies
- Hallways and corridors that are not restricted
- Libraries in publicly accessible sections
- Student Center and public seating areas
Private or restricted areas are not open to the general public and are limited to authorized individuals. ICE and other unauthorized individuals require a judicial warrant or the college’s permission to be accessed:
- Classrooms
- Faculty or staff offices
- Laboratories
- Non-public areas of student services or administrative offices
- Meeting rooms reserved for specific groups
Support Resources for Undocumented Students
- 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693) in English/Spanish/Korean/Polish
- Hotline call options:
- Immigrant Family Support Program (Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) financial support program
- Report ICE activity
- Support to locate someone in ICE custody
- Connect with an immigration attorney
- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACACA)
- Health care resources for immigrants and refugees
- Public charge updates
- Workplace rights, issues or safety for immigrants
Getting Started
Kishwaukee College has an "open door" admission policy and is open to all in-district residents of Community College District 523. All new students, including dual credit and students who have been inactive for two years or more, should complete the Kishwaukee College Application DACACA or undocumented students who apply do not require a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
To apply to Kish, follow these simple steps.
Illinois MAP Grant — Undocumented students can apply for Illinois MAP Grants through the RISE Act.
Scholarships — Apply for a Kish Foundation Scholarships to help cover the cost of attendance.
FAFSA — Students who are citizens but have parents who are undocumented can still apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Kish does not report this information to any agencies.
Payment Plan — Students can set up a payment plan with the Kish Business Office.
Kishwaukee College's Benefit Nagivator can help students find the benefits they qualify for, including housing and citizenship matters. To get started on finding assistance, please fill out the H.U.B. (Housing, Undocumented and Benefits Navigation) Referral Form.