Immigrant Supports

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Supports for Immigrant Students at YVC

At Yakima Valley College, we are proud of our commitment to support all members of our community, including students who are immigrants, in achieving a better life. We believe that our immigrant community enriches our college, our region and our nation. As federal actions related to immigration continue to take place, we want to share some important information about how we support individuals who may be impacted.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusivity: We remain steadfast in our values of diversity, inclusiveness and the right of all students to pursue their educational goals free from unlawful interference. Yakima Valley College does not have a legal obligation to enforce federal immigration laws. We are not, and will not become, a law enforcement agency.
Admissions and immigration status: As an open-access institution, we do not base admissions decisions on immigration or citizenship status. Furthermore, YVC campus security personnel will never question or attempt to detain individuals based on their immigration status.
Privacy protections: As required by federal law, YVC does not disclose protected information from student education records, except as required in response to a lawfully issued subpoena or court order. Higher education institutions do, however, share certain information called “directory information,” but students can choose to not allow even directory information to be shared. For more information about directory information and the opt-out process, please see our Office of Registration & Records Policies webpage on the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Access to campus: As a public institution of higher education, our college has public spaces, however, many of our spaces are reserved for use by students and employees so YVC can fulfill its mission of delivering education to students. Our employees will not grant permission to these limited access, nonpublic areas (such as offices, residence halls, and classrooms) to federal immigration enforcement personnel without a judicial order or warrant.
Financial aid information: We understand that students and their families may be hesitant to apply for state aid through the WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) or the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) due to their immigration status. Completing a WASFA or FAFSA helps colleges determine student eligibility for resident tuition and financial aid. YVC’s Financial Aid team can help students determine whether or not they are qualified to apply for the WASFA or FAFSA. As we are committed to protecting the confidentiality of the information and privacy of students and their families, we do not share personal information listed on the WASFA and FAFSA for immigration enforcement purposes without a legal requirement, such as a valid court order or judicial warrant.

Learn About The Keep Washington Working Act

Resources for Support

YVC is dedicated to being a place that is welcoming, safe and supportive for all members of our community, regardless of immigration status. The college’s Diversity Welcome Center/Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Office in the HUB is a place where you can access information for immigrants. Additionally, our DEI office can help connect individuals to other community resources.

Students who are experiencing fear or stress related to current events are invited to connect anytime with YVC’s Counseling Center and our counselors, who are trained professionals who can help with personal issues affecting their wellbeing and success. Email the center or call 509-574-4956 (Yakima) or 509-882-7000 (Grandview).

Washington State’s Office of the Attorney General also has a Know Your Rights: Civil Immigration Enforcement in Washington webpage that summarizes general information about limitations on federal immigration enforcement power, limits on state and local agencies from participating in immigration enforcement, and the rights of individuals and entities with Washington.

Below are some additional community resources that may be helpful for those navigating issues related to immigration. Yakima Valley College does not endorse, support, or assume liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content found on these external websites or within these community services. Individuals are encouraged to conduct their own assessments and investigations before engaging with any resources listed. The inclusion of these resources does not imply affiliation or endorsement by Yakima Valley College.