AASA x SEASA x KASAMA
Emergency Workshop: Immigration Policy
2025
Know Your Rights
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What is occurring in the U.S. today. Understanding immigration and the policies.
What are my rights when it comes to immigration policies and how do I respond to law enforcement officers?
How can I keep my community safe?
History & Current Events
Rights &
Response
Being
Proactive
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Share your thoughts
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Current Events & History
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WHAT IS OCCURRING IN THE U.S. TODAY.
UNDERSTANDING IMMIGRATION AND THE POLICIES.
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Current Events
UNC is currently the home to about 3,150 international students.
On Wednesday April 9th, the U.S. government, under the Trump administration, terminated the visas of 6 UNC international students.
N.C. State and Duke have also reported that their students had their visas terminated.
In North Carolina
More than 1,000 international students or recent graduates, at more than 130 schools, have had their visas revoked this year.
Students have filed a lawsuit at the U.S. District Court of Northern Georgia in Atlanta against the Trump administration, seeking to stop student revocations and reinstate those that have already been revoked.
Around the U.S.
The Trump administration has terminated international students’ statuses by removing them as students from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which is used by the Department of Homeland Security.
SEVIS
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The First Wave
- Many Asian immigrants (specifically Chinese) came to the United States in search of economic opportunities in the mid 19th-century
- Employers turned to them for a cheap alternative for labor
- As unemployment began to rise, however, tension and violence began to break out
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Filipino Immigration
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Immigration History Timeline
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1882: Chinese Exclusion Act
One of the earliest and most notorious pieces of legislation targeting Asian immigrants, this law effectively banned Chinese laborers from immigrating to the U.S. and denied Chinese immigrants the right to become naturalized citizens.
1922: Ozawa v. United States
Japanese immigrant, argued that Japanese people should be considered “free white persons” and thus eligible for citizenship. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled against him.
Immigration History Timeline
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1943: Magnuson Act
The Chinese Exclusion Act is finally repealed in 1943. Chinese immigrants and their American-born families become the first Asian Americans eligible to naturalize and gain citizenship—and vote.
1946: Luce-Celler Act
Sponsored by Republican Representative Clare Boothe Luce of Connecticut and Democrat Senator Dalip Singh Saund of California, this law allowed Filipinos and Indian immigrants to become U.S. citizens.
Immigration History Timeline
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1952: McCarran-Walter Act
Called for the elimination of racial restrictions on naturalization. For the first time, individuals of all races were allowed to become U.S. citizens, ending the legal exclusion of Asian immigrants from naturalization. Though in practice, restrictive quotas still limited the number of immigrants from Asia.
1968: Quotas lifted
One of the most profound effects of lifting the quotas in 1968 was the increase in immigration from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Under the old system, Asian immigration was virtually nonexistent due to severe restrictions, but the new policy led to a significant rise in immigrants from countries like India, China, the Philippines, and South Korea.
Rights & Response
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WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS WHEN IT COMES TO IMMIGRATION POLICIES?
HOW DO I RESPOND TO LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS?
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Your Rights as a
US Citizen/Green Card Holder
“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”
This means the 4th amendment protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. It requires that warrants be issued only when supported by probable cause and that they specifically describe the places to be searched and the items to be seized.
“No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury…–...; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law…”
This means the 5th amendment protects individuals from self-incrimination, guarantees due process, and prevents double jeopardy in criminal cases
Fourth Amendment
Fifth Amendment
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What to say when approached
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Your Rights as a International student or Green Card holder
Rights:
Cannot be deported without due process.
Have a right to an attorney (but not at government expense).
Can travel internationally, but lengthy trips (>6 months) may trigger scrutiny. Can apply for citizenship after 5 years (3 years if married to current US Citizen)
Risks for Deportation:
Certain criminal convictions (even old ones).
Fraud or misrepresentation in the immigration process.
Failure to notify USCIS of address change (within 10 days).
Prolonged absence from U.S. may be seen as abandonment of residency.
Rights:
Can remain in the U.S. as long as you maintain student status.
May work on-campus (and sometimes off-campus with OPT/CPT approval).
Can request legal counsel if detained.
Risks for Deportation:
Falling out of status (e.g., dropping below full course load without permission).
Unauthorized work.
Overstaying your visa.
Arrests or criminal charges may lead to visa revocation or deportation.
Green Card Holders
International Students & Visas
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What would you do?
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Scenario 1: DACA Recipient Pulled Over
Carlos, a 22-year-old DACA recipient, gets pulled over for a broken taillight. The officer asks if he’s a citizen.� Twist: ICE is notified when the officer runs his name.
Prompt: What should Carlos do? What are his rights during a stop? What if ICE shows up?
Scenario 2: International Student and Campus Protest
Mei, an F-1 student, joins a protest against immigrant detention. A week later, she receives a notice to appear in immigration court for "disturbing the peace."
Prompt: Can students be deported for protesting? What protections does Mei have? What should she do next?
What would you do?
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Scenario 1: DACA Recipient Pulled Over (Carlos)
He can remain silent and doesn’t have to answer questions about immigration status.
ICE needs a judge-signed warrant to enter his home.
He should not sign anything without a lawyer.
Takeaway: DACA recipients are at risk in any police interaction. Know your rights during stops.
Scenario 2: International Student and Protest (Mei)
Peaceful protest is allowed, but arrests can threaten visa status.
She should get legal help immediately and avoid talking to ICE without a lawyer.
Her school may offer legal support.
Takeaway: International students can protest but must avoid legal trouble.
Be Smart, Vigilant, and Loud
If at any point you suspect that ICE is on campus, start by contact Siembra NC by calling/texting: 336-543-0353
They are a source for help and have been following ICE detainments for decades.
Hotline
Loudly affirm the belonging of your neighbors and community members (especially if you are a citizen).
Let your immigrant/undocu/non-citizen neighbors know that you are a resource for them, and then actually be a resource for them.
The more eyes on the streets, the safer we are, therefore, we must expand our network of informed people—educate others on their rights.
Teach and Share
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Being Proactive
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HOW CAN I KEEP MY COMMUNITY SAFE?
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Discussion: Share your thoughts
With those around you, let’s discuss:
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Ways to help your community
There are many ways you can help, including:
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(Resources to Defend against ICE)
ICE LIES
For example: ICE can say, “We are police.” They are not police.
ICE can wear vests that say POLICE; they are not police.
ICE can pull people over and say, “Your son has been in an accident, and you have to come with us to the precinct,” and this be a lie.
They disguise themselves in plain clothes.
ICE is permitted to lie and misrepresent themselves
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What to do if you witness ICE Detainment
You are allowed to record, so record any detainments you witness.
Ask for the agents’ agency, badge numbers, why are they taking this person, and where are they taking them to. From what we have seen thus far, ICE does not cooperate with these basic questions (so you will be able to tell and contact necessarily hotlines and help).
Asking questions and creating attention is allowed so that there are more witnesses involved, if you are on campus with others they may jump in and cause attention.
Record
Ask for information
Be loud
What are these agents wearing, what formations are they moving in, what vehicles are they traveling in, how many are there?
Observe
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What to do if you witness ICE Detainment
If at any point you suspect that ICE is on campus, please contact Siembra NC by calling/texting: 336-543-0353.
Do not spread unsubstantiated rumors of ICE without verification.
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Conclusions
Resources:
https://dos.unc.edu/2025/04/16/frequently-asked-questions-international-students/
https://cryptpad.fr/pad/#/2/pad/view/DDu4PKBKMSuWkFqdCHf2y+xyukBHyh5PNo59JddQmzA/
https://dos.unc.edu/2025/04/16/frequently-asked-questions-international-students/
https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/chinese-exclusion-act
https://www.history.com/articles/asian-american-timeline#Gold-Rush-Lures-New-Wave-of-Immigrants
https://rjimmigrationlaw.com/resources/green-card-holder-know-your-rights-if-ice-stops-you/
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Thank you for taking the time to discuss a sensitive topic with us.
2025
If you have any questions, please reach out below:
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UNC Kasama:
unckasama@gmail.com
SEASA:
uncseasa@gmail.com
AASA:
uncaasa@gmail.com