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California Institute of the Arts

Immigration Updates

US Policy Updates and Impact on CalArts

CalArts is committed to supporting all members of our community. 

We recognize that students, faculty, and staff may have concerns about their rights and legal protections. This page provides information and resources to help you navigate immigration-related matters.

CalArts will never share students’ or employees’ immigration status unless legally required to do so. 

Your rights in the U.S.

Regardless of your immigration status, you have fundamental rights under the U.S. Constitution. The following is a compilation of information from external legal organizations:

  • Right to remain silent: If questioned by law enforcement or immigration officers, you are not required to answer questions about your immigration status or country of origin.
  • Right to an attorney: You have the right to speak to a lawyer before answering any questions or signing documents.
  • Right to refuse a search: Officers generally need a warrant to enter your home. You can ask to see a warrant before allowing entry. It should be a judicial warrant signed by a judge within the past 10 days. An ICE Administrative Warrant is NOT a judicial warrant.
  • Right to due process: If detained, you have the right to a hearing before an immigration judge in most cases.

For a detailed overview of your legal protections, visit the ACLU Know Your Rights page.

What to do in an immigration emergency

If an immigration officer arrives on campus, immediately contact one of the following administrators. These are the only campus administrators who may verify the legality of any warrants, court orders, or subpoenas or determine whether an immigration officer may access an area of the university.  Please attempt contacting these individuals in the order listed below:

Irene Scholl-Tatevosyan, General Counsel: 661-253-7839
Troy Allen, Chief Operations Officer: 661-255-6314
Ravi Rajan, President: 661-253-7820

  • If you are stopped by ICE:
    • Remain calm and do not run. Do not physically resist or obstruct ICE officers.
    • If at home, do not open the door unless agents present a valid judicial warrant.
    • You have the right to remain silent. You can say, “I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
    • Do not sign any documents without legal advice.
    • If possible, try to document the interaction, including the officers’ names and badge numbers.
  • If someone you know is detained:
    • Do not obstruct ICE officers.
    • If present, try to document the interaction, including the officers’ names and badge numbers.
    • Contact an immigration lawyer immediately.
    • Call an immigrant rights organization such as United We Dream.
    • Locate detained individuals via the ICE Detainee Locator.

International students

  • Carry your valid I-20 or DS-2019 form and passport with you when you travel by car, air, or any other forms of transportation. These documents are essential for proving your legal status in the United States.
  • Keep copies of all your important documents (passport, visa, I-20) in a safe place, separate from the originals.
  • Have an emergency plan in place, including contact information for family members, friends, and legal counsel.
  • CalArts International Student Support: Provides guidance and connects students to resources. Contact us at intlstudents@calarts.edu.

DACA updates and legal support

Campus and community support

  • CalArts Student Affairs: Provides guidance and connects students to resources. Contact us at studentaffairs@calarts.edu.
  • Mental Health & Counseling: Immigration concerns can be stressful. Our on-campus counseling services offer confidential support. Reach out to CalArts Counseling Services.
  • Local Legal Aid: Organizations like CHIRLA and RAICES provide legal resources and advocacy for immigrants.
  • Employee Assistance Program: All eligible CalArts employees and their household members have access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at no charge. The program offers counseling services to employees and their families. Overview of EAP services (PDF)

Commitment to a safe and inclusive campus

CalArts remains steadfast in its commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access.

Please note that all external links on this page are provided for informational reference. CalArts does not endorse, maintain, or guarantee the accuracy of information found on these linked sites. In addition, the information on this site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with a qualified attorney for advice regarding your specific situation.

Contact us

Student Affairs
Email: studentaffairs@calarts.edu
Phone number: 661-253-7874
Room number: F303

International Student Services
Email: intlprograms@calarts.edu
Phone number: 661-291-3418
Room number: F207