Overview
This page includes information to help direct you to government resources and topics, and legal issues, including interacting with law enforcement and your First Amendment rights. Explore the links below and reach out to SISS if you have other questions or needs.
- Understanding the First Amendment
- The First Amendment protects several rights, including the right to free speech and peaceful assembly. This applies to everyone in the United States, including international students at scholars.
As a public university, UC Davis cannot and will not discipline students for speech protected by the First Amendment. UC Davis is committed to a safe and peaceful campus environment that respects our community’s right to free expression while maintaining our educational and research mission without disruption.
Learn more - Exercising Your Right to Free Speech
- Advocacy and taking action can take many forms from public discourse and social media posts to protests and demonstrations. As a public university, UC Davis cannot and will not discipline students for speech protected by the First Amendment. We allow peaceful protests and expression, and are committed to keeping everyone safe.
While international students and scholars have broad rights to freedom of speech and lawful assembly, please be aware that being arrested or detained by law enforcement may trigger current and/or future immigration consequences. Immigration risks will vary according to each individual, and situations and outcomes may not always be predictable. Each person should take appropriate care and utilize their best judgment.
Please talk to an SISS advisor if you have questions or concerns about your current visa status or potential immigration risks. They can advise you if speaking to a qualified immigration attorney or the UC Immigrant Legal Services Center about your rights may be to your benefit. - Understanding the Difference Between Freedom of Speech and Civil Right Violations
- There is a difference between words or actions that are hurtful or offensive and those that are illegal. Free speech applies to everyone, regardless of their opinions or beliefs or how hurtful or hateful their words may be. We can disagree with someone, and they are still protected by the First Amendment. It is important that members of the UC Davis community understand how to deal with the challenges this presents and what to do if they think their rights were violated or they witnessed or experienced harassment, hate or discrimination.
Learn more - Interacting with Law Enforcement
The American Civil Liberties Union has information to help you understand your rights when interacting with local, state and federal law enforcement. From being pulled over in a car to being questioned to being detained, know your rights by reviewing the website.
- U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services
U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services homepage
Case Status Inquiries & Processing Times —Check on the status of requests filed with immigration to change to a new status, request a work permit, etc.
Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization for Those who Qualify
How Do I Change to Another Nonimmigrant Status?
How Do I Know What Services Are Available After I File a Petition with USCIS?
NAFTA Specialty Occupations for TN Visa Status (Canadian and Mexican citizens only)
Public Charge Fact Sheet - Benefits not subject to public charge consideration
USCIS National Customer Service Center —Contact information to follow up on an immigration petition or question
- U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement
U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement homepage
Frequently Asked Questions about the SEVIS Fee (for F's and J's)
How do I access my I-94 online record for proof of legal entry to the US?
SEVIS Fees —Link to pay your SEVIS fee
SEVIS Home Page —Information on the F-1 and J-1 visa statuses
Students & Exchange Visitors —Information on obtaining a visa
- U.S. Department of State
U.S. Department of State homepage
Automatic Revalidation of Visas for Travel to Canada or Mexico (less than 30 days)
Foreign Embassies & Consulates in the U.S.
Information on the J Visa Two Year Home Residence Requirement and Waivers
Lost and Stolen Passports, Visas, and I-94 Cards
- American Institute in Taiwan
- Customer Service Statement to Visa Applicants
- Visa Wait Times —Information on how long will it take to get an appointment for a visa
- Visa Waiver Program —List of countries where visitors to the U.S. do not need a visa
Understanding Workers Rights – Wilberforce Workforce Agreement
- Other Federal Government Websites
Internal Revenue Services – Foreign Students & Scholars —Information on Paying Taxes and Tax Forms in the U.S.
Social Security Administration - Immigration —Information about Social Security Cards
- State of California Web Sites
- Housing & Tenant's Rights/Responsibilities
Legal Rights and Responsibilities: As a renter you have certain rights and responsibilities, starting with understanding the terms of your Rental Lease (the binding legal agreement between the landlord and renter).
Renter's Insurance: Covers damage to the items in your apartment, not the structure. There are many companies which offer renter's insurance. One option available to anyone affiliated with the university is available through the Office of Student Housing.
City of Davis Fair Housing Services Rental Resources Program.
Housing conflict resources
Legal Services of Northern California -Fair Housing Project: Offers free legal advice on housing issues.
- Phone: 530-662-1065 or 916-447-5798
- 619 North Street, Woodland CA 95695
Housing and Economic Rights Advocates (HERA) - Tenant Protection: Provides assistance for tenants experiencing illegal rent increases, habitability problems, harassment and more.
- Phone: 510-271-8443
California Tenants Guide handbook: Information about your rights and responsibilities.
- Campus & Community Legal Resources
ASUCD: Legal Advice Service offers 15 minutes of free advice to undergrads can receive 15 minutes of legal advice
- Certified Legal Specialists for Immigration & Nationality Law
Other Regions (Choose specialty area Immigration & Nationality Law)
- Work Authorization After UC Davis
- Watch the most recent Life After UC Davis event recording. (LINK COMING SOON!)
- UC Davis Policy Regarding Outside Counsel
Policies regarding University legal representation require departments to consult with SISS when outside counsel is considered for immigration issues.
SISS coordinates with the UC Davis Office of Campus Counsel and the UC Office of General Counsel (OGC), which is responsible for handling all legal matters pertaining to the University, and for representing the University in all legal proceedings (Regents Bylaw 23.5b).
OGC has retained law firms specializing in immigration law to provide services in support of SISS's mission to assist international students, scholars and campus departments with visa and immigration issues. These University legal services are available to campus departments (and individuals whom they are sponsoring) only upon prior authorization by SISS.
It is important to note that many visa and immigration processes require the relevant petitions and applications be initiated by the University as the employer. Consistent with Regents Bylaw 23.5, only University authorized legal counsel may represent the University in such employment processes. Further information on University policies regarding employment and immigration sponsorship of non-immigrant workers can be found in the Academic Personnel Manual (APM 530).