Kish College partners with ReUp Education to support returning learners
Kishwaukee College has partnered with ReUp Education to support students who are reenrolling in college to complete a degree or certificate program.
Read MoreUndocumented Students
Undocumented Students
Kishwaukee College has an open-door admission policy and welcomes members of its community regardless of background, identity or status and is committed to addressing complex issues facing our student community. Kish is committed to a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, focused on respect and fairness, in all aspects of the College experience.
Disclosure: The information shared on this page is general and informational only. This page does not constitute legal advice and is subject to change at any time. Kish is committed to supporting a diverse culture and is committed to its safety.
FAQ’s
Kishwaukee College recommends working with local legal experts who specialize in immigration
legal services. The resources are provided below.
No. Kishwaukee College Campus Security and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office are
not involved in immigration enforcement. The Illinois TRUST Act prohibits law enforcement
from assisting ICE in immigration enforcement operations.
No. Your information is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy
Act (FERPA), and Kish will not share your information.
Kish offers resources to our students and community members who may feel uncomfortable interacting with police. Anyone with emergency issues should call 911. For non-emergency safety concerns, you can contact the following areas:
• Academic Advising: onestop@kish.edu or 815-826-9375
• Undocumented Liaison, Greg Putra: 815-825-9649
• Submit a H.U.B Referral Request
Illinois state law prohibits law enforcement from acting on federal detainers or stopping, arresting or searching an individual based solely on immigration status (5 ILCS 805/-Illinois TRUST Act). As of June 21, 2019, the Keep Illinois Families Together Act (5 ILCS 835) officially prohibits state and local law enforcement in the state of Illinois from entering into 287(g) agreements with ICE.
Support Resources for Undocumented Students
- The Fifth Amendment gives you the right to remain silent and not answer questions asked by a police officer or any other governmental official.
- The Fourth Amendment restricts the government’s power to enter your home or workplace or to search your car.
- The First Amendment protects your right to speak freely and to advocate for social change. Realize that immigration officials can target you based on your political activities if you are a noncitizen and are deportable.
- Immigration officials are now part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS
has three sections:
- The Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS)
- The Bureau of Customs and Border Control
- The Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693) in English/Spanish/Korean/Polish
- Hotline call options:
- Immigrant Family Support Program (Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) financial support program)
- Report ICE activity
- Support to locate someone in ICE custody
- Connect with an immigration attorney
- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
- Health care resources for immigrants and refugees
- Public charge updates
- Workplace rights, issues or safety for immigrants
Getting Started
Kishwaukee College has an "open door" admission policy and is open to all in-district residents of Community College District 523. All new students, including dual credit and students who have been inactive for two years or more, should complete the Kishwaukee College Application. DACA or undocumented students who apply do not require a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
To apply to Kish, follow these simple steps.
Illinois MAP Grant — Undocumented students can apply for Illinois MAP Grants through the RISE Act.
Scholarships — Apply for a Kish Foundation Scholarships to help cover the cost of attendance.
FAFSA — Students who are citizens but have parents who are undocumented can still apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Kish does not report this information to any agencies.
Payment Plan — Students can set up a payment plan with the Kish Business Office.
Kishwaukee College's Benefits Nagivator can help students find the benefits they qualify for, including housing and citizenship matters. To get started on finding assistance, please fill out the H.U.B. (Housing, Undocumented and Benefits Navigation) Referral Form.
Additional Resources
News & Events
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Kish College to offer six Fast-Track career programs in Fall 2025
Kishwaukee College will offer six Fast-Track career programs during the Fall 2025 semester. Kish Fast-Track programs provide students with the expertise needed to meet local workforce demands. The programs range from 8-15 weeks, allowing students to start a career immediately or build upon skills with additional training.
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