Rights, Policies and Procedures Advance Parole Advance parole is a permit for a non-citizen without a valid immigrant visa to re-enter the United States after traveling abroad. • Those who have applied to adjust their status to that of permanent resident or to change their non-immigrant status fall under this category. • Due to recent changes to U.S. immigration law, travel outside of the United States may have severe consequences for those who are in the process of adjusting their status or applying for an immigrant visa (refugees and asylees). Upon return, non-citizens may be found inadmissible, their applications may be denied, or both. It is important that proper documentation is obtained before leaving the United States • Students should speak with an attorney to determine potential risks before exiting the country Information and Records The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. However, in the case of a lawfully issued subpoena, we are obligated to release information regarding a student. There is information, referred to as “Directory Information,” that we could release without a subpoena. The following are designated as Directory Information: • Student name, college-issued email address, dates of attendance, enrollment status (e.g., part-time, full-time), class level (e.g., freshman, sophomore), past or present participation in officially recognized activities and/ sports, height and weight of student athletes, degrees earned with dates, honors and /awards received, prior educational institutions attended, course of study and hometown (defined as residency where one was born or grew up). To have all of the “Directory Information” withheld, the student must give written notice to the Enrollment Center. For more information, visit FERPA at Oakton or call the Enrollment Center at 847.635.1700. Other Immigration Options Many DACA recipients may be eligible for other immigration options. In some cases they may obtain work permits or even green cards. • Students should talk to an immigration services provider to understand their legal options and determine their eligibility for other immigration benefits. • Students should avoid fraudulent service providers. Confirm credentials when working with an immigration service provider. Ask for a written contract, a receipt for any payment and get a second opinion before paying or signing a contract. Policies Protecting Undocumented Students Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA): On June 15, 2012, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced that certain people who came to the United States as children and meet several guidelines may request consideration of deferred action for a period of 2 years, subject to renewal. They are also eligible to request work authorization. Deferred action is an exercise of prosecutorial discretion to defer removal action against an individual for a certain period of time. Deferred action does not provide lawful status. Although legislation has changed, and it may continue to do so. Initial DACA requests are no longer being granted, and review of requests are within the sole discretion of the Department of Homeland Security. Students should refer to the USCIS website regularly for updates. Illinois State Law HB 60: Under HB 60, undocumented students will be considered Illinois residents for purposes of receiving in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities if they meet the following criteria: • The student has lived with their parents or guardian while attending a public or private high school in Illinois. • The student graduated from a public or private high school in Illinois or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in Illinois. • The student attended at least three years of high school in Illinois prior to the date the student graduated or received a high school diploma equivalent. • The student has registered as an entering student no earlier than the 2003 fall semester. • The student provides the college with an affidavit stating that the student will file an application to become a legal permanent resident (LPR) of the United States as soon as the student is eligible to do so.
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