DOJ Urges Investigation Into University of Nevada Reno’s Assistance of Undocumented Students

The Department of Justice Civil Rights Division led by Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon has urged an investigation into University Nevada Reno’s (UNR) UndocuPack office that provides “assistance to illegal aliens “with on-campus and community resource referrals, financial aid and academic support.”

The letter (see below) references the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 that prohibits illegal aliens from obtaining most taxpayer-funded benefits, so that “aliens within the Nation’s borders [do] not depend on public resources to meet their needs.”  

Available information indicates UNR is using valuable resources to steer illegal aliens toward financial aid, scholarships, and career opportunities that do not require applicants to provide a Social Security Number. This seems to be just the beginning.

UndocuPack director Janet Najera, who is also a doctoral student in UNR’s Equity, Diversity, & Language Education program, states that UNR’s “goal is to grow the program and provide more support” to illegal aliens.

We are referring this matter to the Department of Education to investigate whether UNR is using taxpayer funds to subsidize or promote illegal immigration. 

The letter was cosigned by Acting U.S. Attorney, District of Nevada, Sigal Chattah and copied to UNR President Brian Sandoval, former Governor of Nevada.

Earlier this month, Our Town Reno interviewed Janet Najera who admitted to growing and expanding the UndocuPack office  to help undocumented students and families with “whatever they need.”

Najera connects students with scholarships, fellowships, and career opportunities that don’t require a Social Security number. She also works with them before they enroll at UNR.

“I’ve worked with students starting in high school who have now graduated,” she said. “We guide them through the entire journey in higher education.”

Collaboration is a big part of the program. Najera works with Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada, Northern Nevada Legal Aid, the Northern Nevada Food Bank, and on-campus offices like financial aid and the multicultural center. “We’ve built a strong community, and the outside community has really incorporated itself into the program to help us,” she explained.

Najera says she wants to keep expanding the program to make sure all students know they have a place on campus. “It’s important for students to know they can attend higher education,” she said. “Misconceptions in the community can limit what they believe is possible. Our goal is to grow the program and provide more support to our students and our community.”

She encourages students and families to reach out. “It’s crucial for people to know we’re here to help our community and our students,” she concluded. “There’s a space and support for them here. They can always reach out, and we’ll help them navigate whatever they need.”

A spokesman for UNR released the following statement:

Late Friday afternoon, the University received correspondence from the U.S. Department of Justice. We are currently reviewing the letter and will respond appropriately through the proper legal and administrative channels.

The University remains committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and respectful campus environment for all of our students. We also recognize and uphold our responsibilities under state and federal law, and we will continue to act in accordance with the U.S. Constitution.

As we assess the correspondence from the Department of Justice, our focus remains on ensuring that every student has the opportunity to pursue their educational and professional goals in a safe and welcoming environment.

Channel 4 News reports that “UndocuPack’s website and social media platforms are inactive as of Monday afternoon.”