At BMCC, we welcome and prepare students from around the world, regardless of immigration status, as they work toward degree completion. We firmly believe that every student admitted to the college, regardless of their place of birth, should have equitable access to higher education, meaningful career opportunities, and the ability to contribute to the communities they call home.
For Faculty/Staff
It is highly unlikely that faculty or staff will need to make this decision without the support of Public Safety or our Interim AVP for Legal Affairs, as the college has a process in place to ensure that faculty are not the first point of contact.
Please contact Public Safety at (212) 220-8075.
For students to receive immediate assistance from the BMCC community, please refer them to the Counseling Center or the Center for Belonging and Inclusion.
If a student shares their immigration status with you, it likely means they trust you and believe you can provide the right guidance. To ensure they receive the most accurate and updated information and support, please refer them to the Counseling Center or the Center for Belonging and Inclusion.
BMCC’s new Center for Belonging and Inclusion’s Immigrant Resource Center works closely with the Immigrant Student Success Team, the Counseling Center, and the Advocacy and Resource Center to provide programs, information and support for undocumented students.
CUNY’s “Further Guidance on CUNY Response to Immigration Enforcement” (March 20, 2017) memo provides guidance responding to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents seeking access to campuses.
- ICE must present a warrant or subpoena.
- Public safety escorts ICE agents directly to legal counsel
- Warrants and administrative subpoenas are reviewed and verified by college legal counsel before compliance.
In the past, ICE has taken the position that, absent an emergency, enforcement actions should not occur at “sensitive areas,” such as colleges, churches, and schools. However, it appears that the current administration has rescinded the directive prohibiting arrests in “sensitive areas.”
Law enforcement officials may participate in the campus career fairs to promote job opportunities to BMCC students.
Ask the student to connect with the BMCC International Student Services Office (ISSO) as soon as possible. Since some students might be close to graduating, thinking about switching programs, or exploring other options, it is also a good idea for them to check in with the Provost’s Office in Academic Affairs.
For Students
- We encourage you to speak with an advisor to explore your options.
- You have the option to register for online classes during the spring 2025 semester with a later start date. BMCC’s 8-week session begins on Friday, March 22, 2025. Learn more about the 8-week session.
CUNY and BMCC protect student records under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) with the utmost confidentiality.
- Immigration status information is confidential and only disclosed when legally required.
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents must present a subpoena for student records.
- Public safety escorts ICE agents serving subpoenas directly to legal counsel.
- Administrative subpoenas are reviewed by college legal counsel before compliance.
Learn more about BMCC’s FERPA Policy.
All students, regardless of immigration status, are welcome to apply to and attend BMCC.
- If you are an enrolled student, the Counseling Center can provide you with free and confidential counseling services. You can visit the office in Room S-343. Learn more and schedule an appointment.
- Looking for legal guidance? CUNY Citizenship Now! provides free, high-quality, and confidential immigration law services on campus through BMCC’s Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC). Visit the office at S-230 or learn more here.
- Not able to come to campus? Citizenship Now! offers services throughout the city. Learn more and schedule an appointment.
- BMCC’s Center for Belonging and Inclusion and the Counseling Center will host a series of Mind, Body and Soul events that support student wellness.
- CUNY’s Office of Undocumented Immigrant Student Programs works to inform, support and advocate for undocumented students.
- The Center for Belonging and Inclusion will be coordinating with the New York Immigration Coalition to host an Online Training / Know Your Rights for BMCC Students, Staff, and Faculty on Wednesday, February 19 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
- The Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC) will hold an Immigration Information Session on Wednesday, April 9 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Outside Resources
Many community-based organizations offer workshops and support, and we encourage you to review the following list of organizations and offerings:
New York Immigration Coalition:
Make the Road:
Project New Yorker:
- What to expect at a Know Your Rights workshop
Opportunities to volunteer and support:
Legal Services:
We encourage you to speak with an advisor to explore your options. If you do not know who your advisor is, reach out to aatc@bmcc.cuny.edu for assistance.
If you are an enrolled student, the Counseling Center can provide you with free and confidential counseling services. You can visit the office in Room S-343. Learn more and schedule an appointment.
