Immigration Guidance
Walla Walla University welcomes persons from all backgrounds who respect a Christian way of life and apply mature judgement to their academic, spiritual and social lives. The Bible declares that in Christ there is neither Jew nor gentile, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female — all are one in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:28). We are one humanity. Dehumanization and marginalization are diametrically opposed to the Bible. In alignment with the Seventh-day Adventist church, we aim to be a welcoming and safe space for all. All are created by God and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
Adherence to law
Walla Walla University adheres to the requirements of federal, state, and local law.
Our Equal Opportunity Commitment:
Walla Walla University is a religiously qualified institution of higher education. It does not discriminate whether explicitly or implicitly against students, or applicants for admission on the basis of race, citizenship, nationality, color, national origin, sex, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, pregnant or parenting statuses, the presence of neuro diverse abilities (sensory, mental, or physical abilities), or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.
Immigration documentation for international students
- Citizenship or documentation is NOT a consideration for Walla Walla University admissions decisions.
- Walla Walla University asks prospective students for citizenship information according to federal law and the process of managing SEVIS documentation (Student and Exchange Visitor Program of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement), as well as to allocate Walla Walla University’s financial aid resources accordingly.
- Walla Walla University adheres to federal laws that require Designated School Officials (DSOs) across the nation to update and maintain the SEVIS records of nonimmigrant students in F and M visa categories within specific time limits. To that end, the university works with students to manage and record documentation.
Immigration documentation for undocumented students
- While the university shares aggregate race/ethnicity information (information not attached to a particular person’s record) for reporting purposes to several groups, including the federal government, the university does not provide citizenship details about any student — prospective or enrolled — unless required by a valid court order or judicial warrant.
- Walla Walla University does not grant permission for any immigration enforcement, including surveillance, on university properties, without a valid court order or judicial warrant. In compliance with the Keep Washington Working Act, local police and sheriffs cannot assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in enforcement actions, nor will campus security do so.
- In the unlikely event that ICE seeks a student or information from Walla Walla University will not permit access to information, records or spaces beyond those specified in the court order or judicial warrant, or other legal requirement.
Employee and student employee responsibilities
WWU provides appropriate training for employees and student employees who work with protected information under federal and state laws to ensure compliance with laws. Additional training pertaining to interacting with immigration authorities will also be available on campus. Here are some basic guidelines.
University employees and students shall direct anyone engaging in or intending to engage in immigration enforcement, including federal immigration authorities with official business, to Keri Self, director for Human Resources, or their authorized designee prior to permitting entrance to Walla Walla University grounds.
It is important that you not imply consent to law enforcement officers’ entry onto the school’s property. Walla Walla University is private property and while the U.S. president has rescinded immigration enforcement policies that previously treated churches, schools, hospitals, and similar spaces as “sensitive locations,” the rights afforded by the U.S. Constitution are still in place. All officers should be directed to the director for HR calmly and politely.
Upon receipt of an immigration-related inquiry or campus presence, the director for HR or their authorized designee is responsible for:
- Verifying and recording the inquiring person’s credentials (name, agency, badge number).
- Listing those that the inquiring person is attempting to contact.
- Documenting the nature of the inquiry.
- Reviewing the court order or judicial warrant and communicating with the university’s legal counsel.
- Requesting a university representative be present during any contact or interview.
- Documenting the details of any contact or interview granted.
- Notifying the parent/guardian — to the extent allowed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) — of immigration enforcement relating to their student.
Individuals should never physically resist officers entry to campus. An important principle of constitutional law is that individuals are not entitled to engage in “self-help.” This simply means that, even if the government is overstepping its bounds, the appropriate way to address this is through the courts or administratively, not while law enforcement is on site. Even if government agents are acting in what you believe is an unlawful manner, no one should ever seek to physically interfere, block, or obstruct their actions. The appropriate response is to clearly state your objection and document their subsequent actions. Following any interaction with law enforcement, individuals should immediately contact the director of HR to advise legal counsel.
More Information
Walla Walla University recognizes the rights of all individuals in the United States, regardless of immigration status. These resources offer helpful information:
American Civil Liberties Union: Stopped by Police
Higher Education Immigration Portal FERPA Overview
National Immigrant Justice Center: Know Your Rights
SEVIS Reporting Requirements for Designated School Officials
Walla Walla University FERPA information
NAD Guidance for Churches and Schools on Immigration Enforcement Activity