Concerns for Undocumented Students
December 12, 2016
Dear Friends,
I am mindful of the concerns of many about potential changes in federal immigration law enforcement and practices, particularly as they relate to our campus and community.
As evidence of these concerns, we have recently received a petition through the Undergraduate Student Government Senate to designate Boston University as a “Sanctuary Campus” for undocumented members of our community. In response to these general concerns, as well as this specific request, I am writing to provide information about the University’s policies as they relate to enforcement of federal immigration laws and our plans to ensure that all our students feel safe, welcome, and able to pursue their studies.
It is our long-standing practice that we do not solicit or record information about the immigration status of our students, with the exception of information we are required to maintain on international students who study here on student or exchange visas. To date, we have not been asked by any public authorities to provide information about students who might be undocumented. And, going forward, we will not share information about such students unless we are specifically required to do so because of a duly issued warrant or subpoena. If students self-identify to the University as undocumented, we will provide advice and counsel as appropriate and on a case-by-case basis. We will not volunteer information about such students.
Those calling for the University to become a “Sanctuary Campus” have asked that we bar representatives of federal agencies such as US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from entering any part of our campus and from enforcing federal immigration law on our campus. This is not a promise we can make, as the University must obey the applicable state and federal laws.
I can, however, assure you that the Boston University Police Department does not currently play any role in the enforcement of such laws and will not voluntarily assist the federal government in immigration enforcement. To the extent that our police become aware of such enforcement activities on our campus, they will require a judicially sanctioned warrant before allowing access to any University building.
In my letter of November 10, I referred to our founding principles and our immutable commitment to open the University’s doors to all students regardless of gender, race, religion, or place of origin. As we navigate the particular challenges posed by possible legal and regulatory changes, this commitment will be our North Star. The challenge lies, of course, in how we apply our principles to the situations we encounter.
We are committed to offering undocumented students our fullest support possible while complying with federal law. We will continue to monitor the unfolding national discussion about immigration while holding fast to our commitment to maintain an open, inclusive, and safe campus for our students.
Many of you will have read the story in BU Today about my having signed a letter in support of DACA (the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy). It is my hope that this program will continue. If it is curtailed or terminated, we will seek to provide such support as is consistent with the definitions of the DACA statute. Staff members of the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) are also available to provide information for students who may have concerns about their status.
Boston University has a great tradition of inclusiveness. We honor that legacy by extending our hands in welcome and keeping open the doors to opportunity.
Sincerely,
Robert A. Brown
President