This information, created in 2018, offers a guide on how to respond to information requests from Federal or State Agents over the phone, email and in person as well as resources on campus.
What kinds of inquiries and visits from federal or state agents might we encounter on campus?
Inquiries can come on a routine or unexpected basis from a number of federal and state agencies.
Routine inquiries may occur for students and scholars studying and working in non-immigrant status, including H-1B temporary workers, that relate to routine immigration issues, including site visits for compliance. In most cases, routine inquiries should be directed to International Student and Scholar Services, where required records reside.
Occasionally, representatives from one of these agencies will go directly to a student, scholar, employee, or supervisor at the worksite location. Please refer to the Response Guide for how to handle such inquiries.
There have been reports of scams and imposters posing as government or law enforcement officers. How can I verify that the person is really from a government agency?
It is important to verify that the person requesting information is making an authorized request. If you receive an email or phone inquiry, or if an agent visits your office and is not accompanied by a member of UNC Police, please contact UNC Police so that a UNC police officer can verify the credentials of the agent. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provides tips on how to avoid common immigration scams at https://www.uscis.gov/avoid-scams/common-scams.
When should we require that a request for information be in writing?
Please contact the Office of University Counsel for direction, even in cases where an agent presents a subpoena or court order signed by a judge.
The University’s FERPA policy applies to the release of student information for all students, and the State Human Resources Act applies to the release of confidential personnel information. Accordingly, you must contact the Office of University Counsel if you receive a subpoena, court order, or other request for student or employee information.
Note that for F-1 international students and J-1 Exchange Visitors, ICE may request certain information required by regulation, and the University is required to release that information. Students and scholars sign a general release as part of their participation in the F-1 student program and J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. Requests for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) related information typically will come to the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) or Designated School Officials (DSO) or Responsible and Alternate Responsible Officers (RO /ARO). The PDSO, DSOs and A/ROs with access to SEVIS are in International Student and Scholar Services. Typically, the P/DSOs and RO/AROs will ask for requests in writing from ICE and will consult with the Office of University Counsel regarding requests that exceed regulatory requirements
I’m a University employee. Please summarize the steps I should take to ensure that I am in compliance with the University’s policies in the event that a federal or state agent visits my place of work requesting information about someone other than myself.
Please refer to the Response Guide for guidance on how to handle such visits.
Important Contacts: UNC Police: 919.962.8100 | Office of University Counsel: 919.962.1219