Immigrant and Undocumented Student Support

BMCC is available to assist students who need support and resources to address matters related to immigration. The college provides information about relevant institutional policies, legislation and executive orders, that affects an array of undocumented students, including but not limited to those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Asylum Seekers and students out of any immigration status.

Applying for TheDream.US National Scholarship

TheDream.US is the nation’s largest college and career success program for undocumented immigrant youth, having provided more than 10,000 college scholarships to Dreamers attending 80+ partner colleges in 20+ states and Washington, DC. We believe everyone, regardless of where they were born, should have equitable access to a college education, a meaningful career, and opportunities to contribute to the communities they call home. 

You can apply for TheDream.US Scholarship between November 1, 2024, to February 28, 2025. 

• Apply for the Scholarship.
• Eligibility for the Scholarship.
• Attend an Information Session to learn more.

DACA  Update

On October 5, 2022, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court’s opinion that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is unlawful, but also allowed DACA renewals to continue for now. The Fifth Circuit is sending the case back to the District Court to review the legality of the new DACA rule recently issued by the Biden Administration. The Fifth Circuit’s ruling confirms what Make the Road has said for years: Congress needs to act. (source: Make the Road)

BMCC and CUNY are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment for its students and will continue to support the DACA program as a path to citizenship for its students. We urge students or immigrant students to stay current on changing immigration policy. If you are a BMCC student and would like to join the BMCC Immigrant Student Success group for information on resources and invitation to events please complete this intake form.

In September 2023, District Court Judge Andrew Hanen ruled against DACA, holding it unlawful as anticipated. This decision was based on the finding that Biden’s DACA was materially the same as the original DACA order in 2012 and the defendant appeal. DACA continues to stand until a final ruling can be made by the 5^th circuit court of appeals or the supreme court in late 2024 or spring 2025. 

10 Years of DACA

The BMCC Immigrant Student Success team celebrates the 10-year anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) executive order on June 15, 2022. This Obama era policy has made it possible for over six hundred thousand undocumented individuals to be legally employed, study and pursue their career aspirations without fear of deportation. DACA was rescinded in 2017 by the Trump administrations but overturned in 2020 by the Supreme Court because termination was arbitrary and capricious. On July 16, 2021 A federal court decided DACA was unlawful because President Obama exceeded his authority when creating this executive action. DACA continues to exist, but no new applications are reviewed since the court order. Reflecting on the 10 years of this transformative policy of great promise it’s time to build on the successes of DACA to provide a permanent way for DACA students AND undocumented immigrant students to fully participate in the country they call home. 

Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a designation made by the Secretary of Homeland Security due to conditions in the country that temporarily prevent the country’s nationals from returning safely.  Students and their family members’ TPS designation and employment authorization remain valid until the expiration date listed on their employment authorization cards. See TPS updates.

  12/23/2023: The Department of Homeland Security extended the re-registration periods for the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations of El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan. 

·        The full list of TPS includes (click to expand): 

• Afghanistan (new) 
• Burma (Myanmar)(new) 
•  Cameroon (new)
• El Salvador 
• Ethiopia (new) 
• Haiti 
• Honduras 
• Nepal
• Nicaragua 
• Somalia 
• South Sudan
• Sudan
• Syria 
• Ukraine (new) 
• Venezuela 
• Yemen

CUNY Citizenship NOW! Partnership with BMCC

In our effort to ensure that we continue to bring you services that help you succeed, we have some great news! CUNY Citizenship NOW! has partnered with BMCC to bring immigration services to you.

Beginning in October, attorneys will be available every fourth Wednesday of each month, to consult with you on immigration issues, assisting with:

• Naturalization Applications
• TPS and DACA Applications
• Advice on other immigration issues

All consultations are by appointment only. Please take advantage of this wonderful opportunity by contacting the Advocacy and Resource Center (formerly Single Stop) to set up an appointment. They are in Room S-230, at 199 Chambers Street, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or call (212) 220-8195 for more information.