Your Rights & Privacy

Adelphi University safeguards student privacy and adheres to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a U.S. law that protects the confidentiality of student education records. 

Protecting Your Privacy

• Adelphi does not disclose any student’s personal or educational information—including immigration or citizenship status—to government agencies or third parties without written consent from the student.
• Adelphi only releases student records when legally required by a subpoena or court order.
• Adelphi does not record or track the immigration status of any student except for those applying for a student or scholar visa through International Services.

Adelphi Privacy Policies

• Adelphi’s Privacy and Release of Student Education Records Policy Establishes requirements designed to protect the privacy of student education records and to ensure that students are notified of their rights regarding the inspection and release of student education records.

• DHS Information Release Policy Established procedures for responding to the release of information requested by all U.S. Homeland Security agencies for students on an F/J visa.

• Policy on Responding to Federal Immigration Enforcement Actions or Inquiries ICE agents may seek to undertake immigration enforcement actions on campus. This policy governs responses to enforcement actions on the Adelphi campus to comply with obligations under FERPA and to remain in compliance with all federal laws and regulations. Link to be added once published. 
• Adelphi Policy Library For a  complete list of all university policies.

Know Your Rights: A Guide for Students

All individuals in the United States, regardless of their immigration status, have certain rights under the U.S. Constitution and other laws. As a non-citizen, it is essential to understand your rights and responsibilities to protect yourself in various situations.

Your Basic Rights

• Right to Refuse Searches: You have the right to refuse consent for immigration officers or police to search you, your belongings, your car, or your home. If they do not have a warrant, you can say, “I do not consent to this search.”
• Right to Remain Silent: You are not required to answer questions from law enforcement or immigration officials beyond providing your immigration documents if requested. To exercise this right, you should state clearly, “I choose to remain silent.”
• Right to Contact Your Consulate: If you are not a U.S. citizen and are detained, you have the right to contact the consulate of your home country. Immigration and law enforcement officials must allow you to speak with or be visited by consular representatives.
• Right to Legal Representation: You have the right to speak to an attorney before answering any questions. You may state, “I will not answer questions until I speak to an attorney.” Note that the U.S. government does not provide free attorneys in immigration cases.
• Right to Refuse to Sign Documents: Do not sign any document you do not understand. If pressured to sign something, request an attorney.
• Right to Your Immigration Documents: You are entitled to receive copies of all immigration documents related to your case. Keep copies of your visa, passport, Form I-20 (for F-1 students), or Form DS-2019 (for J-1 students) in a safe place.

*This is not intended as legal advice.

What to Do in Specific Situations

If You Are Stopped by Police or Immigration Officials

• Stay calm and be respectful.
• Do not run or resist.
• If asked for your immigration status, you must provide your visa and related documents if you have them.
• You are not required to answer additional questions.

If ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) Comes to Your Home

• Do not open the door unless they have a warrant signed by a judge. Ask them to slide the warrant under the door or show it through a window.
• If they do not have a warrant, you can refuse entry.
• You can say, “I do not consent to a search.”

If You Are Stopped at an Airport or Border Checkpoint

• You may be questioned about your travel history and visa status.
• You must provide your immigration documents.
• Officers may inspect your electronic devices. You can state, “I do not consent to this search,” but they may still inspect them.

Additional Resources and Support

Understanding your rights can help protect you from potential issues and ensure you navigate your stay in the U.S. safely and lawfully. If you have any concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to Adelphi’s International Services Office for guidance and support.