• What You Need to Know Now

    Immigrant and International Students

    • On September 22, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a press release and the text of the proposed public charge rule. The proposed new rule would prevent immigrant families on the way to U.S. citizenship from being able to secure permanent lawful immigration status if they utilize any of a vast array of health care supports, nutrition assistance, or other services. In the coming weeks, the proposed rule will be officially published in the Federal Register and the public will have 60 days to comment. Learn more.
    • On June 26, the Supreme Court upheld President Trump’s ban on travel from several predominantly Muslim countries. The most recent ban restricts entry to varying degrees from: Iran, North Korea, Syria, Libya, Yemen, Somalia and Venezuela. (Details)
    • A federal judge in California issued a nationwide injunction on June 26 temporarily stopping the Trump administration from separating children from their parents at the border and ordered that all families already separated be reunited within 30 days. In addition, children under five must be returned to the custody of their parents within two weeks. Parents will also be allowed to speak by phone with their children within 10 days.
    • Immigrants at risk for family separation or of any status should have a Family Preparedness Plan.

    DACA Students

    • On August 17, a U.S. district judge ruled that the Trump administration does not have to accept new DACA applications but must continue processing renewals while the future of the program is under appeal. Advocates are encouraging DACA recipients to apply for their renewals now. Learn more.
    • The preliminary hearing on DACA was held on August 8th in Texas. The Texas District Court has not issued any orders, and DACA renewals are still being accepted. Due to the possibility of DACA renewals ending in a matter of weeks, eligible DACA recipients are strongly encouraged to renew their DACA. Learn more.
    • As of January 13, 2018, USCIS has resumed accepting DACA renewal requests in accordance with a federal court order.
    • Review DACA Fact Sheet provided by Legal Aid


  • Imigration Officers Flag Icon

    Immigration officers are not permitted to detain or remove a student from campus without a court order.




  • DACA Information Icon

    DACA renewal applications are being accepted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. No new applications are being accepted for those who have never had DACA.



  • US entry ban Icon

    Entry to the US is banned for certain international citizens; consulting with an immigration lawyer prior to travel is advised.




  • All DREAMers/DACA recipients enrolled at the City University of New York (CUNY) are encouraged to apply
    for the NYIC’s 2019 DREAM Fellowship Program by December 21, 2018!



    Learn More



  • Additional Support for DACA, Immigrant and International Students


    The City University of New York was founded on the principle of equal access and opportunity.  LaGuardia’s longstanding commitment to welcoming, protecting and supporting our students, regardless of immigration status, has not wavered since our founding.

    We remain committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and will steadfastly continue to offer a welcoming environment for students of all backgrounds. LaGuardia Community College will take any steps available under the law to protect and support our undocumented students.  

    Should you or a family member have concerns about your immigration status or safety, we urge you to avail yourselves of the resources and services listed below.


     

    Foundation Emergency Fund (Current Students Only)

    The LaGuardia Community College Foundation offers opportunities for financial support in the form of scholarships, MetroCards, textbooks, and other emergency needs.

    LaGuardia Community College Foundation
    Phone: 718-482-5610
    Email: foundation@lagcc.cuny.edu
    E Building Room, E-508


    Single Stop
    Single Stop USA, which helps students overcome financial barriers by connecting them with federal and state financial resources, and local community services. Financial assistance can take the form of daily living expenses based on eligibility. We have FREE legal and financial counseling, free tax assistance through April, healthcare and other services. All students receive a free benefit screening.


    Phone: 718-482-5129
    Email: singlestop@lagcc.cuny.edu
    C Building, Room C-107


    Office Hours: 
    Monday thru Thursday from 9 AM to 5 PM 
    *Friday from 9 AM to 1 PM *subject to change

     
    F1-Visas - Current Students
    LaGuardia International Student Services Office assists international students who hold F-1 visas in their cultural and educational transition to the College. The office provides advising and support services to students with immigration, academic, financial, personal and cross-cultural issues to help them reach their educational goals. 

    Contact: 
    International Student Services Office 
    Larisa Lerner, Coordinator 
    Phone: 718-482-5145
    Email: lalerner@lagcc.cuny.edu 
    B-Building, Room B-117; Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Wednesday 9 a.m.- 7 p.m. (closed Friday- Sunday) 



    On Campus
    If you are on campus and feel your life is in imminent danger, call 718-482-5555 or visit your nearest Public Safety office for assistance.

    Off Campus
    If you are feel your life is in imminent danger, call 911 immediately.


    Victim of Harassment or Intimidation

    On Campus
    If you are the victim of religious, race, or sexual harassment, there are several resources both on and off campus that will help you file a complaint.

    Christopher Carozza 
    Office of Compliance & Diversity
    Phone: (718) 482-5088
    Email: ccarozza@lagcc.cuny.edu

    Refugees
    New York State Emergency Hotline
    Governor Cuomo has established a hotline to offer assistance to refugees left in vulnerable situations at New York airports. To report loved ones who are passengers on incoming flights and believed to be missing or detained, please call 1-888-769-7243.

    Travel
    Travel Advisory: The Executive Order, issued September 24, 2017, limits entry to the United States for certain citizens of Chad, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen, based on visa type and other factors. Students who are nationals of these countries are strongly encouraged to speak with an immigration attorney before traveling abroad. 

              Brief explanation of Executive Order 
              Executive Order full text (White House press release)  

    If students, faculty or staff are detained trying to enter the United States, or are abroad and need guidance, please call the NY State hotline at 1-888-769-7243. 
     

    The following organizations are actively working to protect rights and support immigrants. Visit these websites regularly for new information and guidance:


    Center for the Integration & Advancement of New Americans, Inc.
    If you need to speak with a lawyer, the CIANA organization have attorneys available to assist you with legal/immigration services, and are able to assist clients in several languages.
     
    31-09 Newtown Ave, Suite 411
    Astoria, NY 11102
    Phone: 718 545-4040


    New York State Hotline
    Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today launched a toll-free hotline to report incidents of bias and discrimination across the state. The hotline will bolster the state's efforts to protect New Yorkers and allow those who are the victim of prejudice to file a complaint with the Division of Human Rights. 
    (888) 392-3644 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday

    New York City Commission on Human Rights
    The New York City Commission on Human Rights is charged with the enforcement of the Human Rights Law, Title 8 of the Administrative code of the City of New York, and with educating the public and encouraging positive community relations.

    To file a discrimination complaint with the New York City Commission on Human Rights, please call 311 or (718) 722-3131

    Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR)
    CAIR–NY counsels, mediates and advocates on behalf of Muslims and others who have experienced religious discrimination, defamation, or hate crimes. Our lawyers work to protect and defend the constitutional rights of American Muslims, thereby supporting the rights of all Americans.f
    (646) 665-7599
    info@ny.cair.com

    Immigration Assistance at Queens Library


    Statement from LaGuardia’s President, Dr. Gail O. Mellow
    Statement from CUNY Chancellor James B. Milliken
    Statement from CUNY Chancellor James B. Milliken - A Message On The Executive Order Limiting Entry Into The United States



    Do you still have questions about where to turn or next steps?

     
    You can reach out to Rhonda Mouton, regardless of immigration status, to help direct you to appropriate resources both on campus and in the community.


    Rhonda Mouton
    Program Director, Single Stop
    31-10 Thomson Avenue, Room C-107
    Long Island City, NY 11101
    Phone: 718-482-5129   
    Email: rmouton@lagcc.cuny.edu