The UndocuCenter at Butte College is a safe, inclusive and accessible space for students with diverse immigration backgrounds. It has become a fundamental resource, helping many students continue their education with confidence by connecting them with legal, academic, financial and personal support to overcome systemic barriers.
Brenda Rodríguez, the Student Success Specialist at the center, emphasizes that the UndocuCenter is not just for undocumented students, but open to the entire campus community seeking immigration guidance. “This is a resource center for all students on campus. We provide information to people with various immigration statuses, including those with asylum applications. We support everyone,” Brenda explains.
One of the center’s most impactful roles is informing students about benefits they often didn’t know they were eligible for. The most requested services include help with the California Dream Act application, free legal immigration consultations, housing assistance, access to the food pantry and appointments with academic counselors. “This kind of support helps them stop worrying about basic needs. The center creates a space where students feel supported, and their lives improve,” says Brenda.
Still, one of the main challenges the center faces is misinformation and lack of direction among students. “Many students don’t know they qualify for these services” she adds. To address this, the UndocuCenter hosts campus wide events throughout the year. More information about upcoming events can be found on their official website and social media.
Brenda also shared her vision for the future of the center: “My dream is for the center to grow and have more staff who can offer personalized support to students and to expand our programming for the entire campus.”
Beyond offering direct services, the UndocuCenter also plays an essential role in raising awareness about the diverse realities of immigration within the Butte College community. While the term “undocumented” is often misunderstood as a synonym for “illegal,” this is not always the case. Being undocumented can also mean waiting for immigration documents to be approved or still not having received a visa or permanent residency despite living, studying, working, paying taxes and actively contributing to society.
