Universities and the need of Sanctuaries in an Age of Surveillance

Universities are no longer just centers of learning; they increasingly function as sites of surveillance. Systems of data tracking, monitoring, and cooperation with state authorities shape campus life, especially for immigrant and international students. For migrant students—particularly those who are undocumented or have unstable visa status—this scrutiny carries serious risks, including detention, deportation, or loss of legal standing. This surveillance is often invisible, operating through routine administrative processes and federal databases that monitor students’ movements and status. Although presented as necessary, these practices reveal that universities are not neutral institutions but active participants in broader systems of control that regulate and constrain vulnerable populations.