Does your school allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers onto campus without a warrant?: Just like any member of the public, immigration enforcement officers can enter public areas without a warrant. However, such officers are not permitted to access nonpublic areas of Caltech without permission from an authorized Caltech representative[i] or without appropriate legal authorization (e.g., a judicial warrant). Members of the Caltech community are not authorized to provide consent to immigration enforcement officers for access to nonpublic areas or to Caltech records unless instructed to do so by Caltech Security or the Office of the General Counsel. If a Caltech community member provides consent without proper authority, immigration enforcement officers may be permitted to take enforcement action in nonpublic spaces.
How often does your office receive applications from undocumented students?: Not often, we receive about 1-5 applications per year.
Does the campus police enforce immigration law?: No
Are there organized groups or clubs comprised of or advocating for undocumented students in your school?: Yes, the Caltech Center for Inclusion and diversity serves as a safe space for undocumented students.
Does your school provide distance-learning options for deported students to complete their degrees?: No
Does your school share student immigration status with ICE?: No
Does your school provide confidential legal support to students with immigration law questions and issues?: Caltech does not offer direct legal support. However, the International Office can provide students with a list of attorneys/firms.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
If need-based aid is not available, is there a feasible path undocumented students can take to pay for their education with stackable merit scholarships, loans and/or grants from your school?: We meet 100% of demonstrated need for all undocumented students who graduate from a U.S. high school.
Are undocumented students eligible for need-based aid?: Yes
Admissions Information
Does your school provide merit aid specially for undocumented students?: No, we offer need-based financial aid for all domestic applicants. Caltech considers undocumented who graduate from a U.S. high school as domestic applicants, making them eligible for need-blind admissions and 100% of demonstrated financial need.
Are you need-blind for undocumented students?: Yes
Are undocumented students considered international or domestic?: Undocumented applicants are considered domestic applicants for admissions and financial aid purposes, but are considered international students when enrolled.
What other piece of advice would you give an undocumented student hoping for admission at your school?: Contact the undocumented student liaison, Karla Arriaga, at ugadmissions@caltech.edu. Your email will be forwarded to her directly.
Is there a special contact point for undocumented students?: Yes, the undocumented student liaison in the admissions office, Karla Arriaga.