Support for undocumented students

The college recommends working with some of our community partners for immigration legal assistance, such as Centro de Información, which provides low-cost legal services. They can be reached at 847-695-9050. We also recommend memorizing the hotline at 855-435-7693.

Reviewed 4/2025

No, the ECC Police are not involved in immigration enforcement. They do not ask about immigration status or make arrests based solely on immigration status.

Reviewed 4/2025

No, your records are entitled to the same FERPA protection that otherwise governs student education records in the United States.

Reviewed 4/2025

ECC provides resources for members of our community who may feel uncomfortable calling or approaching the police. Anyone with emergency issues should call 911, but those with non-emergency safety concerns may contact any of these offices:

• Associate Vice President of Student Services and Development: 847-214-7220
• Undocumented Student Resources: 847-214-7416 or 847-214-7652
• Wellness Services: 847-214-7390; after-hours support available

Reviewed 4/2025

Yes, calling immigration authorities on another student could violate the ECC Student Code of Conduct if the action is done with the intent to harass, discriminate, or retaliate against the other student.

Reviewed 4/2025

At this point, the executive orders have not impacted international students on F1 student visas. 

International students and scholars are affected differently than students without legal status in the United States. According to the Department of Education, the Family Education Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) permits institutions to comply with information requests from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to comply with the program's requirements.

However, the information that can be requested and provided is limited to the categories listed in DHS regulations. That request must be made to Lauren Nehlsen, our Principal Designated School Official (PDSO). For other information, international student records are entitled to the same FERPA protection that otherwise governs student education records in the United States.

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 federal agents.

Prospective students can apply to Elgin Community College regardless of their immigration status. No federal or state law prohibits undocumented students’ admission to the Community College in their area. All prospective students will be reviewed under the same admissions criteria regardless of status. Applying as an undocumented/DACA student uses the same online application as other students. Our application does not require an SSN or an ITIN to register for classes or receive a certificate or degree at ECC.

Students should decide whether to disclose based on their circumstances and comfort level.

Learn more about the eligibility requirements for District 509 tuition rates.

To verify in-district residency, documentation must be dated at least 30 days before classes begin. In-district residency is verified during orientation. If, after the initial verification, there is reason to believe a student no longer resides within the district, additional documentation will be required to maintain in-district tuition rates.

Students can demonstrate eligibility for in-district tuition rates in one of the following ways:

• Provide a driver’s license, state-issued ID, or U.S. or international government-issued ID with an in-district address dated at least 30 days before the start of the term.
• Provide at least two of the following: a signed lease, utility bill, tax bill in the student’s name, or a voter’s registration card.

While students without a social security number cannot apply for federal student financial aid to pay for college or career certification, ECC offers other ways to help cover your costs.

As of January 1, 2020, undocumented students can apply for the Illinois MAP grant courtesy of the Retention of Illinois Students & Equity (RISE) Act.

• Apply for ECC Foundation Scholarships to help cover the costs of tuition, fees, and books.
• If you meet the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) requirements, you can also have a work authorization to get a job on campus through the student work-study program.
• ECC offers different payment plans to cover tuition costs for degree and certificate programs.

The Board of Trustees Academic Scholarship is available to high school students graduating this year. Students can apply and receive a scholarship for up to four consecutive semesters (excluding summer). Check with the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office for other Board of Trustees scholarships.

Students at ECC may also consider the Foundation Scholarship. Learn more about these scholarships on our Scholarships page.

Numerous scholarships are also available that Elgin Community College does not provide. Consider applying for one or more.

• Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute
• The Dream US Scholarship
• Golden Door Scholars
• Hispanic Scholarship Fund
• Illinois Latino Council on Higher Education
• Immigrants Rising
• MALDEF Scholarship Resource Guide

Yes, the Retention of Illinois Students & Equity (RISE) Act allows eligible undocumented students who are disqualified from federal financial aid to apply for the Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP). However, you still must meet the eligibility requirements for the MAP grant. Read the eligibility requirements for funding.

MAP gives lawful permanent residents, transgender students, undocumented students, and others who can’t apply for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) may apply for an Illinois-specific aid program through MAP. Fill out the RISE Act online application. Illinois resident students may be eligible for additional funding and support programs from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). Visit the ISAC Website.

Undocumented students should carefully consider their proposed program of study. Some professions will have licensing requirements that may include citizenship, and our career advisers are informed and ready to assist you with your specific career interest and plans. Some certificates and degrees include academic requirements for workplace internships that will require employment or a background check before the student begins.

Undocumented students may apply and enroll in health professions programs at ECC. A social security number (SSN) is not required to apply to ECC or a health professions program.

When a student is admitted to a health professions program at EEC, an SSN, ITIN (Individual Taxpayer ID Number), or alternative will be used for the background check process.

Regarding clinical placements, most clinical sites for programs will have students utilize an SSN or ECC Student ID number. Some Physical Therapy Assistant clinical sites require an SSN.

For certification upon graduation, Basic Nursing Assistant requires an SSN or ITIN. No SSN is required for other programs.

Employment in healthcare is not guaranteed for graduates of ECC’s Health Professions programs who do not have a social security number.

Students who do not have a social security number may contact one of ECC’s Undocumented Student Liaisons for further information:

• Marlen Ruiz
  Room B120.05
  847-214-7652
  mruiz@elgin.edu
• Elizabeth Herrera
  Room B120.11
  847-214-7416
  eherrera@elgin.edu

The program enrolls undocumented students under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Let us know if you need information on what DACA students are to provide to confirm verification. Learn more about the Future Workforce Leaders program.

YES! Undocumented students CAN take classes at the Adult Basic Education Center. Fill out this application to apply.

At ECC, several staff members are available to help meet your educational goals as you apply for college. They can also assist you with study abroad programs, how to connect with other allies on campus, scholarships, career planning, leadership opportunities, and more. For information about community resources for undocumented students, see our list of community resources.