RUSA Report January 22: Undocu Rutgers rep speaks on immigrant student needs

A representative from student immigrant advocacy group Undocu Rutgers spoke to the assembly on how national tensions regarding mass deportations may affect students, as well as the resources available to concerned students, at the first RUSA meeting of the semester.

The assembly also heard nominations for new members and passed a resolution to recognize Mikie Sherrill as the new governor of New Jersey.

Latino Student Council member Melanie Keller told the assembly that the Trump administration’s nationwide ICE deployments can affect all students, regardless of legal status or citizenship. Keller referenced multiple recent controversies regarding ICE deportations, including the detainment of a 5-year-old child and the killing of U.S. citizen Renee Good.

According to Keller, these events can make students feel “unsafe, concerned and confused.” She continued that Hispanic students in particular may feel at constant risk of detainment on and off campus.

Keller noted the resources provided by the University for immigrant students, such as the Rutgers Immigrant Community Assistance Project, which provides students with free and confidential legal consultations regarding their legal status.

Keller also listed ways Undocu Rutgers is working to protect affected students as an immigrant advocacy group. According to Keller, Undocu Rutgers is distributing “Know Your Rights” cards to students to educate on one’s rights when being questioned by ICE or other law enforcement. The group is also working to establish a network across Rutgers organizations to report sightings of ICE activity on or near campus.

During the Legislative section, the assembly heard a resolution to honor Mikie Sherrill and Dale Caldwell as the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey. The resolution, which passed unanimously, hopes for a collaborative relationship between Sherrill’s administration and the assembly.

Assembly leaders announced 10 nominations for appointed positions in the assembly, including two senators for the School of Arts and Sciences. The nominated members are expected to be sworn in at the next meeting on January 29.

During officer updates, RUSA President Christopher Godoy noted an executive order he enacted to fund the Pharmacy Governing Council. Godoy also noted combinations for the Election and Referendum commission will be announced soon.

Vice President Lily Sousa welcomed Assistant Director of Student Involvement and Leadership Lawrence Owens as a new advisor to the assembly.

Secretary Isabella Esposito announced the assembly’s Fall 2025 Impact Report is expected to be released in the near future. The report will include RUSA’s successes and challenges across the past semester, including reaching record meeting attendance levels.

The full meeting minutes for the January 22 meeting can be found here.