FAQ For International Students and Campus Stakeholders: What You Need to Know

In March, reports began to emerge of immigration enforcement targeting international and noncitizen students and other campus members. Dozens of colleges and universities have reported discovering numerous instances of international student records being terminated in the Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS) by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). These actions have generated many questions and concerns. The FAQ above provides information and additional resources for international students and other campus stakeholders.

If you are worried about ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) on or off campus, knowing your rights and taking proactive steps is essential.

• National Immigration Law Center: Know Your Rights
  This FAQ guide includes important steps, such as what information you are required to provide to law enforcement, when you should contact an attorney, and how to protect your privacy.

It’s critical to understand your rights and access legal resources, especially if you believe you are at risk of deportation. This document provides information on how to handle encounters with law enforcement and where to find legal aid if needed.

• Know Your Rights – NJ Human Services: This resource outlines key rights for immigrants in the United States, including protection from unlawful searches, the right to remain silent, and access to legal counsel. It also provides links to legal resources in New Jersey.

The Immigrant Legal Resource Center has outlined key actions that international or immigrant students can take to understand their rights and options.

• Know Your Rights and What Immigrant Families Should Do Now – ILRC:
  This guide provides practical steps for immigrants to take right now, including how to document your rights, the importance of legal counsel, and how to prepare for an encounter with law enforcement.

Even though the guidance provided here primarily relates to K-12 education, it is important to be aware of your rights as an immigrant student in the educational system. 

• School-Related State and Federal Requirements Pertaining to Immigrant Students and Families – NJDepartment of Education: This document provides information on immigrant students’ rights in schools, and although it is geared towards K-12, it may offer insights into the broader protections that might apply to students in higher education.

• ILRC Red Cards: The Center for Belonging & Student Engagement (BSE) has IRLC red cards available for pick-up in English and Spanish. The ILRC’s Red Cards help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations, such as when ICE agents go to a home. Additional languages can be printed upon request. Please contact piersond@rowan.edu for more information. 
• Legal Aid Organizations: Some legal aid services specialize in immigration law. These organizations can provide legal advice or refer you to experienced immigration attorneys.

All matriculated, full-time Rowan University students have the right to use the Wellness Center on the Glassboro Campus. Your right to privacy in this and all healthcare settings are covered by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which is a federal regulation regarding confidentiality in healthcare settings.

We understand that the international student community may be concerned about confidential information being shared with individuals who should not have access to it.  We want to reassure you that when you come to the Wellness Center, your information is protected.

Our Wellness Center policies regarding privacy follow HIPAA regulations, and more information can be found here. Please also review the FAQ questions below.

Confidential Care FAQ

What information about my health care is documented?

• Any clinical interaction with a counselor, nurse, doctor, or healthcare provider in the Wellness Center is documented in a secure medical record.

What information is released to the hospital if I am transported from the Wellness Center to a hospital?

• Medical notes describing your reason for visiting the Wellness Center, including vital signs, assessment, and relevant medical history, may be sent to the hospital to ensure continuity of care and help medical providers provide the best care for you. Information regarding your medical care or transport is not released to anyone without your written consent.

What information is released if an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent arrives at the WC or the hospital?

• All medical records are protected. Records can only be released if you, the patient, sign a release of records or there is a judge-mandated court order. Records may also be released if the clinician believes you may harm yourself or someone else. 

What happens if I report sexual assault to Title IX or Rowan Police? Can this information be used against me?

• Students should be aware that the Wellness Center is the only confidential resource available on campus. If you have questions or concerns about reporting, you can speak to a counselor in the Wellness Center by making an appointment at 856-256-4333.

What happens when I report to the Wellness Center thoughts of harming myself?

• It is not uncommon for students to share thoughts of hurting themselves or others.  If you share these thoughts with a provider at the Wellness Center, they will discuss the severity of those thoughts with you. If you can’t commit to safety, then the Wellness Center may send you to the nearest hospital for further evaluation.  Medical notes describing what you told the provider at the Wellness Center will be shared with the hospital staff so they can best care for you.