University of Oregon Students Rally Against Immigration Policies

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Key Takeaways

On February 19, 2025, over 300 people rallied at the University of Oregon against President Trump’s new immigration enforcement policies.
Executive orders reversed protections for sensitive areas like schools, creating widespread anxiety among immigrants, particularly undocumented university students.
Universities like UO utilize FERPA and sanctuary state laws to limit federal access to student immigration data without court orders.

On February 19, 2025, over 300 people gathered outside the Erb Memorial Union Amphitheater at the University of Oregon (UO) to protest recent changes to immigration policies made by President Trump. Organized by Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanx de Aztlán (MEChA), the rally was held to support the immigrant community and to condemn the administration’s tough approach to immigration enforcement. The crowd united under the slogan, “No one is illegal on stolen land,” a bold reminder that the history of the United States is tied to Native American land.

This demonstration came after a series of executive orders President Trump enacted shortly after taking office on January 20, 2025. The orders introduced sweeping changes to immigration enforcement. Among the most controversial of these measures was the reversal of rules that had previously banned immigration raids in sensitive areas like schools, universities, hospitals, and churches. This policy shift created widespread anxiety for immigrant communities, especially on university campuses such as the University of Oregon 🇺🇸.

University of Oregon Students Rally Against Immigration Policies

Fear Among Students

The policy change has deeply impacted undocumented students, who already face multiple challenges in pursuing higher education. Paul, an undocumented student at a college in Oregon, voiced these fears publicly, although he spoke under anonymity for his safety. “With this administration, I feel none of us are safe,” said Paul through an interpreter. “They are violating our rights, our human rights.” This sentiment is widely shared among immigrant students, who are concerned that their educational goals are in jeopardy as their campuses could be targeted for enforcement actions.

The broader college community, including faculty and staff, shares these fears. Some institutions in Oregon, like Western Oregon University, have stepped up to offer resources and education to their communities. For instance, Western Oregon organized “Know Your Rights” sessions to help students and employees understand their constitutional protections when interacting with federal immigration agents. Rights discussed include the right to remain silent, the right not to identify oneself, and the right not to disclose one’s immigration status without a court-ordered warrant. Such measures aim to empower individuals to respond to uncertain or intimidating situations.

University Efforts to Protect Undocumented Students

At the University of Oregon 🇺🇸, the rally held by MEChA is only one part of a larger movement to protect undocumented students and push back against aggressive federal immigration policies. UO, like many other schools in the state, acknowledges the complexity of balancing federal law requirements with a commitment to supporting all students. Existing protections, such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), prevent schools from sharing sensitive student information like immigration status without a warrant or consent. Oregon’s sanctuary state law further prevents local and state government employees, including those at public schools and colleges, from helping federal authorities with immigration enforcement unless a court order is in place.

Although these legal protections exist, fear remains high. The possibility of federal agents conducting immigration enforcement actions on campuses creates a tense and uncertain environment. Dominique Vargas, who serves as Western Oregon University’s diversity, equity, and inclusion director, remarked, “We cannot know for sure what will or will not happen, but it’s heightened right now. Given the most recent [White House] actions, people want to feel prepared.”

Even with protections like FERPA and sanctuary laws, the climate of fear is hard to dispel. Schools like UO are carefully walking the line between ensuring students feel safe and standing firm on their legal obligations. Activism on campuses, as seen during the February rally, is becoming a central way for university communities to voice their concerns.

Broader Impacts on Education

The effects of these policies go beyond immediate fears of deportation. In some regions, educational attendance has noticeably been affected. Faculty at colleges like Portland Community College report lower attendance rates, believing that fear of immigration enforcement is a factor. Missing classes and avoiding campus altogether are potential consequences of constant anxiety among undocumented students, which could harm their progress toward graduation and, ultimately, their futures.

For many immigrant and undocumented students, education represents a path to a better life. Paul, the undocumented UO student, expressed a worry that echoes among others: “It appears to me like the government is taking away the right to get an education.” This sentiment reflects fears that the new policies not only threaten their safety but undermine their access to degrees and opportunities.

Resistance Beyond Campus

The University of Oregon 🇺🇸 is not alone in opposing these policies. Universities across the United States are standing in support of their immigrant and undocumented students. Legal battles are also taking place at the national level to challenge the Trump administration’s executive orders. Organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have joined immigrant rights groups in lawsuits to block controversial orders, including the declaration that portrays migration at the southern border as an “invasion.” Lawsuits have also pushed back against efforts to revoke birthright citizenship for children of undocumented residents.

Several of these executive orders have faced legal setbacks. Federal judges have temporarily blocked key aspects of Trump’s measures, including those targeting birthright citizenship. While legal challenges are ongoing, they represent a check on presidential authority and a defense of constitutional values.

A Divided Campus

The University of Oregon 🇺🇸 has also faced its own controversies surrounding the immigration debate. Late in 2024, a university employee was placed on leave after posting comments critical of Trump voters online. This incident reflects the heightened political tensions at UO and sheds light on how the immigration issue has further divided not just the university but society at large.

Yet, despite these challenges, students, faculty, and activists at the University of Oregon 🇺🇸 see their campus as a place of resistance. The rally not only stood against Trump’s policies but also served as a reminder of the importance of solidarity in times of uncertainty. It underscored the historical complexities of U.S. immigration policy, with slogans like “No one is illegal on stolen land” touching on themes of immigrant rights and Indigenous sovereignty.

Looking Ahead

The immigration policies introduced by President Trump have created a difficult and uncertain path for undocumented students and their allies. As court challenges continue and universities work to adapt, students remain at the center of these debates. Institutions like the University of Oregon 🇺🇸 face the challenge of fostering safe and inclusive environments while following federal guidelines.

For undocumented students, like Paul, these policies represent more than legal hurdles—they are roadblocks to their dreams of completing an education. As his words reflect, the ability to attend school without fear is not just a privilege, but a right worth defending. Universities like UO are stepping into leadership roles, ensuring their campuses provide the support and advocacy undocumented students need to thrive under intense uncertainty.

At present, the rally at UO serves as a testament to the power of community and the enduring importance of education. As campaigns like these continue, they remind us of the vital role universities play in the face of sweeping political change. Interested individuals can visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services page for official updates on federal immigration policies and student protections.

For accurate coverage and analysis of immigration issues, consider exploring VisaVerge.com, a trusted platform offering insights on the challenges and opportunities facing immigrant communities today.

Learn Today

Undocumented Students → Students without legal immigration status in a country, often facing challenges accessing education and resources safely.
Sanctuary State Law → Legislation preventing local/state authorities from assisting federal immigration enforcement without a court-issued order.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) → U.S. law ensuring student records, including immigration status, remain private unless consent is given or legally mandated.
Executive Orders → Directives issued by a U.S. president to manage operations of the federal government, often carrying the force of law.
Immigration Raids → Enforcement actions by officials to detain individuals suspected of violating immigration laws, often in targeted locations.

This Article in a Nutshell

On February 19, 2025, 300+ gathered at the University of Oregon to protest Trump’s immigration policies. Organized by MEChA, the rally declared, “No one is illegal on stolen land.” Amid fears of raids on sensitive areas, universities amplify activism, legal protections, and support, ensuring education remains a beacon of hope for undocumented students.
— By VisaVerge.com