Immigration Rights and Resources for Students

Green River College is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and accessible learning environment for all students, regardless of immigration or citizenship status. We know that the recent rise in immigration enforcement activity creates questions or uncertainty for students and their families. We want you to understand Green River College’s policies, what you can expect on our campuses and resources available to help you understand your rights.
 

Green River College’s Commitment

Under the GA-34 Immigrant Rights and Nondiscrimination Policy, the College limits participation in federal immigration enforcement to the fullest extent permitted by law.
 
GRC faculty and staff, including Campus Safety, do not enforce federal immigration law and will not voluntarily assist federal immigration authorities with civil immigration enforcement. College employees will not voluntarily provide access to limited-access areas or information protected from disclosure. If legally required to comply with a judicial warrant, court order or other applicable law, the College will follow those requirements.
 
Washington’s Keep Washington Working Act also limits how state and local law enforcement can assist with federal immigration enforcement. Local law enforcement generally does not enforce federal civil immigration laws or detain someone solely because of their immigration status.
 

Public and Limited-Access Areas on Campus

Federal immigration officers may enter areas of campus that are open to the general public. However, they generally may not enter areas that are not open to the public without permission or appropriate legal authority, such as a judicial warrant or court order.
At Green River:
  • Public spaces include areas generally open to anyone, such as building lobbies, hallways, open areas of instructional and student services buildings, Holman Library and public areas of GRC branch locations.

  • Limited-access spaces are not open to the general public and require permission, authorization or an appointment to enter. Examples include classrooms, faculty and staff offices, tutoring centers, student club and organization spaces, Campus Corner Apartments, private conference rooms and restricted office spaces. 

Signage throughout campus identifies public and limited-access spaces so students, employees and visitors can clearly understand how each area is designated.
 

Know Your Rights

Regardless of immigration status, you have rights when interacting with immigration enforcement. Resources are available to help you understand those rights, including when you may remain silent, ask whether you are free to leave, request an attorney and ask to see a warrant.
 
If immigration enforcement officers are present on campus, students are not responsible for determining whether an officer should be granted access to a College space or for responding on behalf of GRC. You may contact Campus Safety at 253-288-3350, and College employees will follow established policies and procedures.
 
For additional information and assistance:
Green River College will continue to monitor changes in federal and state law and guidance and share updates as needed. Our commitment remains the same: Green River is a place where students can learn, access services and participate in our community without discrimination based on immigration or citizenship status.