Immigrant Student Success Center
Mission:
The 911爆料 Community College (KCC) Immigrant and Undocumented Student Success Center provides intentional support for immigrant, undocumented, DACA, TPS, refugee students, and students in mixed-status families.
We ensure students have access to financial resources, mental health and wellness support, career exploration, empowerment, and community-building opportunities that promote holistic success.
The Center is dedicated to empowering students through culturally responsive services, while fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment where students can navigate higher education, build meaningful connections, and achieve their educational and career goals.
We Stand with Undocumented Students
As the nation鈥檚 largest urban public university system, CUNY is dedicated to educating and advocating for the immigrant students and families who make up the lifeblood of our city and state. Through this page, we want to help you know your rights and thrive in your educational journey with guidance and resources that can help you stay safe and focused no matter your citizenship status.
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Immigrant Student Success Center
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U228
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Hours TBD
- Email address TBD
We are also closely watching policies that could threaten the essential transformative role higher education plays in civil society. We fear the consequences of the dismantling of the federal Department of Education and the effect it could have on vital student programs. We are troubled by reports of foreign-born students and scholars who attend or teach in American universities being detained by federal officials despite having maintained lawful status and with the authorities providing no indication of the charges raised against them. We are equally troubled by the recent changes in the visa status of some of our international students with F1 visas. We have written to all of them to make sure they know who to contact for up-to-date guidance and support. And we remain concerned in these uncertain times about the thousands of CUNY students who are undocumented or whose status could be terminated or revoked, as with the announced plans to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for certain groups.
As a university that has always welcomed students from everywhere in the world, we are committed to protecting the rights of our students, faculty and staff to the fullest extent of the law and regardless of immigration status. We will continue to adhere to CUNY policy that requires a judicial warrant for any federal or local law enforcement official who comes to a campus seeking to make an arrest and we take seriously the need to safeguard the privacy of student and personnel records.
The University is seeking private and alternative resources to assist our community during this time and continues to provide the best up-to-date guidance about shifting U.S. immigration policies and actions. Our University has a long history of providing a range of supports to our immigrant students, employees and other New Yorkers, including through the services of , the nation鈥檚 oldest, largest university-based legal assistance program. Please visit for the most current resources and for the latest immigration law updates. CUNY students and employees can request a consultation with Citizenship Now! by completing .
- 鈥 CUNY鈥檚 centralized department focused on immigrant student success across all 25
campuses
- 鈥 understand your status and learn about resources on and off campus
- 鈥 what to do if ICE confronts you in public, in the workplace, or at home
- 鈥 check whether you are eligible for financial aid
- 鈥 offers free, high-quality, and confidential immigration law services to help you
and your family on your path to U.S. citizenship. Provides free consultation and application
assistance for naturalization, family-based petitions, Deferred Action and Childhood
Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), certificates of citizenship, renewal
and replacement of immigration documents, full and partial fee waiver requests, and
Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Request (FOIA).
- For help with other immigration issues, please visit to find a list of free or low-cost providers, or call 311.
- Unlocal also has a list of .
- (Jan. 16, 2025)
- and
- 鈥 CUNY will closely adhere to this guidance.
- From Chancellor Matos Rodriguez (1/30/25): 鈥淲e will continue to observe existing CUNY policy that requires a judicial warrant for any federal or local law enforcement official who comes to a campus seeking to make an arrest. Should anyone on a campus face this scenario they should contact Public Safety or General Counsel offices in the campuses for guidance.鈥
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- Scroll down to select from various scenarios. All are available in English/Spanish, and several are available in other languages. You can also print individual sections or all sections to share with students or have available in public spaces.
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- Scroll down to the 鈥淜now Your Rights鈥 section. Organized similarly to the ACLU page, but specific to NYC. All Legal Aid鈥檚 pages are available in a wide range of languages (select from list in the upper right-hand corner).
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- Digital tool created in partnership with the International Rescue Committee. It鈥檚 managed by a team who write in 4 languages (English, Spanish, French, and Haitian Creole) and can respond to 1-1 questions, refer folks to services and supports, and create (and share out existing) guides and explainers. Attaching the launch email here.
- Online community for asylum seekers in the US. Membership is free, but they also have publicly available resources without membership, including a great and with videos that clearly explain nearly every part of the asylum process in community-friendly language. All resources available in English and Spanish.
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- Similar to ASAP, provides written materials and videos explaining the immigration court process (available in English and Spanish).
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- Most relevant are the materials (including a great exercise) and .
- NYC Mayor鈥檚 Office of Immigrant Affairs 鈥
- Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC)
- 鈥 Helps immigrants assert their rights under the U.S. Constitution, regardless of immigration status. The ILRC offers free ordering for immigrant-serving organizations and printable versions for personal use. Available in multiple languages to support diverse communities.
- 鈥 Resource-packed informational document designed to help immigrants with no legal status or in mixed status families begin to understand the immigration legal landscape.
- 鈥 An ITIN is a 9-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) to enable individuals who do not have SSNs to file and pay taxes. Though the IRS issues ITINs for the sole purpose of enabling people without a SSN to file and pay taxes, an ITIN can be used for various additional purposes 鈥 including pursuing career opportunities through independent contracting, freelancing, or starting a business.
- Immigration Court
- If you are in the immigration court process at 26 Federal Plaza, Legal Services NYC created an amazing that helps folks navigate the building and security. Available in six languages.
- 鈥 Check to see if there has been a decision on your case.
- 鈥 If you submitted an application to USCIS, check status here.
- Ready to Stay and National Partnerships for New Americans 鈥
- For undocumented students, families, and communities:
- 鈥 A national organization advocating for the rights of undocumented immigrants, offering resources, support, and community organizing tools.
- 鈥 Provides legal resources, educational support, and mental health services specifically for undocumented students.
- 鈥 Advocates for educational equity and provides resources for undocumented students navigating higher education.
- 鈥 Offers resources for undocumented youth, including legal information, scholarships, and career development.
- For asylum seekers:
- (ASAP) 鈥 Provides legal assistance and support for asylum seekers, including undocumented individuals facing deportation.
- National and local immigration policy and actions:
- (NILC) 鈥 Focuses on protecting and promoting the rights of low-income immigrants through legal advocacy and policy work.
- (formerly known as National Council of La Raza (NCLR)) 鈥 A leading Latino civil rights organization that provides tools and resources for immigrant families, including advocacy and educational programs.
- (ACLU) 鈥 Offers legal assistance and advocacy for the rights of immigrants, including resources on what to do if approached by immigration authorities.
- (ILRC) 鈥 Provides legal information and resources for immigrants, including guides on immigration law and rights.
- 鈥 Provides educational resources and reports on immigration issues, including guides for immigrants and their families.
- 鈥 Provides a comprehensive resource platform for immigrant advocates, offering tools, training, and support to enhance advocacy efforts. The network focuses on promoting the rights of immigrants through education, collaboration, and community engagement.
- (IDP) 鈥 Provides legal support to community-based organizations and engages in targeted litigation. Has helpful materials in different languages.
- (NIPNLG) 鈥 Provides legal assistance and technical support to immigrant communities, legal practitioners, and advocates
- 鈥 Catalogues every known Trump administration immigration policy
- (NYIC) 鈥 A leading advocacy organization that offers resources, and community education for immigrants in New York.
- 鈥 Provides legal assistance and advocacy for low-income immigrants in New York, including resources on family-based immigration and public benefits.
- (MOIA) 鈥 Offers resources and services for immigrants in NYC, including legal assistance and community outreach programs.
- 鈥 Offers immigration legal services, including assistance with citizenship applications and family reunification.
- 鈥 Provides resources and support for Asian immigrants in New York, including legal assistance and community programs.
- (ONA) 鈥 Offers resources, including free legal services, business assistance, and community outreach for immigrants across New York State.
- 鈥 Provides legal representation and support for immigrants in New York through a fellowship program. Hosts organizations list:
- 鈥 Offers information about health care access for immigrants, including programs available to undocumented individuals.
- 鈥 Provides comprehensive immigration assistance to low-income New Yorkers, including direct legal representation, removal defense, and support for unaccompanied youth. They offer resources in multiple languages and advocate for immigrant rights through various projects, including the New York Immigrant Family Unity Project.
- (NYLAG) 鈥 Offers free legal services to low-income individuals, including immigrants, addressing issues such as immigration, housing, and public benefits. NYLAG provides advocacy, education, and representation to empower underserved communities.
- 鈥 Focuses on providing legal services and advocacy for immigrants in New York City. The organization offers support for individuals facing immigration issues, including representation in court and assistance with navigating complex legal systems. Unlocal aims to empower immigrant communities through education and resource sharing.
- 鈥 Independent, non-profit newsroom dedicated to reporting with and for immigrant communities in New York City.
- (NYLPI) 鈥 Provides free consultations and has many resources, including .
- 鈥 Works with nonprofit organizations, providing legal services including on immigration issues.
- Local community-based organizations 鈥 May offer intake, resources, know your rights,
and other educational materials. Please contact organizations directly for the most
up-to-date information on what they are offering.
- (Tribeca, Manhattan)
- (Jackson Heights, Queens)
- (city-wide)
- (Westchester, NY)
- (city-wide)
- Student/educator resources
KCC's Center for Career Development & Experiential Learning is ready to assist our DACA, undocumented, and immigrant students to explore career and job options. Visit /career/daca.html to see what is available.
Contact: Marisa Joseph
Director, Center for Career Development & Experiential Learning
Room C102
marisa.joseph@kbcc.cuny.edu
- Navigating the financial side of your education can be overwhelming. Reaching out for assistance can open doors to scholarships, grants, and other opportunities tailored just for you, easing your financial burden. For assistance with financial aid visit: /financialaid/index.html
- If you are dealing with food insecurity, please visit the Access Resource Center Food Pantry in T4 - 157.
- CUNY will continue to support financial aid for undocumented and other immigrant students through the and scholarship program. Students from mixed-status families who are concerned about applying for aid through the NYS DREAM Act can find guidance .
- Immigrants Rising has a that don鈥檛 require proof of U.S. citizenship.
- MALDEF has a .
- If you would like to explore scholarship opportunities, please visit: /scholarships_grants_awards/index.html
Contact: Claudia Arias
Financial Aid Advisor
Room U201
Claudia.Arias@kbcc.cuny.edu
Many CUNY students and PSC members are immigrants or refugees. The union is committed to ensuring that every student is safe in their classroom, and that all our colleagues and community members are protected from threats based on their immigration status. We are collecting resources here for members and students to use as we navigate a quickly-shifting landscape on this issue, and we encourage members to use the form below to sign up for future opportunities to participate in the Immigrant Solidarity Working Group.
Student success begins with well-being. The KCC Center for Immigrant Success will help students connect to tools and resources that will help navigate uncertain situations. We will offer tools that will assist to achieve academic, personal and emotional well-being to ensure success as a KCC student. Visit /sws/ to connect with a wellness counselor - free and confidential to all KCC students.
Contact: Kimone Coley
Outreach Coordinator
Student Psychological Counselor
Room D102
kimone.coley@kbcc.cuny.edu
Gavin Ireland
Director of International Student Affairs
Gavin.Ireland@kbcc.cuny.edu
Helen-Margaret Nasser
Director, Student Union and Intercultural Center
Helen.Nasser@kbcc.cuny.edu
Marisa Joseph
Director, Center for Career Development & Experiential Learning
Room C102
marisa.joseph@kbcc.cuny.edu
Kimone Coley
Outreach Coordinator
Student Psychological Counselor
Room D102
kimone.coley@kbcc.cuny.edu
Claudia Arias
Financial Aid Advisor
Room U201
Claudia.Arias@kbcc.cuny.edu