As the nation’s 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.
NOTE: Privately funded scholarships at CUNY are available to students regardless of immigration status in accordance to the CUNY 2018 Memo by the Office of General Counsel
“Undocumented New Yorkers are our family and friends, classmates and community leaders, who make us better through their diversity and strength of spirit. We remain committed to fighting for justice for our undocumented students and making sure they are receiving the help they need to complete their education.”
– Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez
Undocumented students face an array of practical, bureaucratic and legal challenges in everyday life. This section breaks down some of the most essential legal information undocumented CUNY students need to know.
From advice as to whether and how you can qualify for a lawful immigration status or U.S. citizenship, to information on how to protect yourself from deportation, CUNY Citizenship Now! is committed to insuring that all immigrant students, including undocumented students, get the legal help they need. Visit their website for questions and help.
Federal immigration program that was created under the Obama Administration in 2012; DACA provides eligible undocumented immigrants with:
On September 13, 2023, a federal court issued a decision confirming an earlier decision to halt to the DACA program, but allowed DACA renewals to continue while the Biden administration appeals the ruling. That means:
While the Biden administration prepares an appeal to the latest decision, holders are urged to continue to renew their DACA status timely and consult with a qualified immigration law provider to discuss other potential options to remain in the United States with lawful status.
If you need assistance applying for DACA or renewing your application, please contact CUNY Citizenship Now!
At 646-664-9400 or text 929-334-3784. You can also email your questions to:
citizenshipnowinfo@cuny.edu.
If you are connected to the CUNY community in any way, please identify yourself as a CUNY student, faculty or staff member.
“To me, being a CUNY alumna and being undocumented is really empowering. It’s empowering to know that I have this immigration status and I was still able to overcome and do things that I was not supposed to.”
– Krissia Bonilla, Hunter ‘20
I’m a DACA recipient. Will the information I shared with the federal government be used to deport me?
The federal government has stated its current policy is that information provided in DACA requests is “protected from disclosure” to immigration enforcement agencies unless the individual meets the criteria for the issuance of a Notice To Appear or a referral to immigration enforcement authorities under the criteria set forth in the federal government’s Notice to Appear guidance (www.uscis.gov/NTA). Generally, such criteria address cases that involve public safety threats, criminal matters, and/or allegations of fraud.
When my DACA expires, will Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) immediately arrest me?
Unlikely. We do not expect ICE to arrest most people who lose DACA status. Most at risk are those with outstanding deportation orders or criminal records.
Can I get USCIS permission to travel abroad based on my DACA status?
Yes. USCIS is granting travel permission, called “advance parole,” to DACA recipients.
Can I get into another legal status?
For most people with DACA, the path to legal status is very limited. This is why it is important to consult with an attorney. Contact CUNY Citizenship Now!, CUNY’s free immigration law service program by calling 646-664-9400 or texting 929-334-3784. Please identify yourself as a CUNY student, faculty or staff. If you qualify to renew or reinstate DACA, CN! will help you complete your application and advise you of the availability of filing fee assistance.
If I lose DACA, will I still be able to go to college at CUNY?
Yes. The City University of New York is dedicated to providing a high quality, accessible education to all New Yorkers, regardless of residency status or citizenship.
I currently pay in-state tuition at CUNY. If I lose DACA will I be charged out-of-state tuition?
Even if DACA is terminated, most students will continue to pay in-state tuition. New York State provides in-state tuition to its non-citizen New York high school graduates without regard to immigration status.
I have DACA and a work permit. Is my work authorization still valid?
Your employment authorization card (work permit) is valid until expiration, unless it is individually terminated or revoked.
If I lose my DACA status but my employment authorization card (work permit) is valid until expiration, will my employer be able to pay me less than minimum wage? What if I get hurt on the job?
Non-citizens regardless of immigration category or work authorization are protected by labor standards laws such as those that provide for minimum wages and prevent unpaid wages and workman’s compensation.
If my DACA status expires, will my employer fire me?
At the point you lose your DACA status, you will no longer be authorized to work as an “employee” in the United States.
If my DACA authorization expires and I no longer am able to work as an employee, is there another way for me to earn money?
Regardless of the possible termination of DACA, if you are working as an independent contractor rather than as an employee, you may continue working. DACA beneficiaries may continue to use their SSNs to work as an independent contractor or start a business; both options do not require work authorization. Regardless of the possible termination of DACA, DACA beneficiaries may continue to use their SSN to work as an independent contractor or start a business; both options do not require work authorization (For more information)
I have DACA status and am covered by Medicaid. Will I lose my health insurance if I lose DACA?
No. Under New York State law, individuals with DACA status and those with rescinded DACA status, may be eligible for state-funded Medicaid. If your DACA status has been rescinded, contact NY State of Health at 1-855-355-5777, TTY: 1-800-662-1220.
Allows individuals from certain countries to remain in the United States if it is unsafe for them to return to their home country due to:
Immigrants from Afghanistan, Burma, El Salvador 🇸🇻, Haiti 🇭🇹, Honduras 🇭🇳, Nepal 🇳🇵, Nicaragua 🇳🇮, Somalia 🇸🇴, Syria 🇸🇾, Sudan 🇸🇩, South Sudan 🇸🇸, Ukraine, Yemen 🇾🇪, Venezuela
If you need assistance applying for TPS, please contact CUNY Citizenship Now!
at 646-664-9400 or email us your questions at
citizenshipnowinfo@cuny.edu.
Before December 2019, over 700,000 people older than 16 weren’t allowed to apply for their driver’s license due to their undocumented immigration status.
This caused many problems, as many immigrants were not able to carry proper identification or even register and insure their cars — both of which are state law.
Because they didn’t have proper ID, many immigrants were at risk during police interactions, feared detention and even possible deportation.
Enacted in December 2019, the Green Light Law Act, also known as “The Driver’s License Access and Privacy Act”, allows all New Yorkers 16 years of age or older, including undocumented immigrants, to apply for a standard, non-commercial driver license or learner permit regardless of their citizenship or lawful status in the United States.
Under this Act, DMV officials are not allowed to ask about one’s citizenship or legal status here in the United States. You also do not need a Social Security card to apply for a license or permit under this law.
However, you must sign an Affidavit (sworn statement) of never having been issued a Social Security Number when you apply for a standard driver license. Also, a standard driver’s license cannot be for federal purposes, like boarding an airplane, or to enter the United States.
If you need assistance applying for DACA, TPS or naturalization please contact CUNY Citizenship Now!
at 646-664-9400 or email us your questions at
citizenshipnowinfo@cuny.edu.
We are living during unprecedented times. CUNY understands this. At CUNY, we want our students to know that we are always here for them. Below are several documents containing information on how to protect yourself or a loved one in the case of an ICE interaction.
If you are questioned or detained by ICE, call the New York State Liberty Defense Team and Office for New Americans Hotline: 800-566-7636.
“If a police officer stopped me and I didn’t know my rights, then I wouldn’t be able to question them. When it comes to the workplace, for instance, sometimes you realize there are certain things going wrong, but you can’t speak back because they may think you’re challenging authority. You are not challenging authority. It is your right to speak up. It is your right to fight for your rights.”
– Portia Adutwamma Frempong, York College ‘19
Starting on May 3, 2023, everyone residing in the United States will be required to show a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or ID card before boarding a commercial airline flight or entering a federal building or nuclear facility.
Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act established countrywide security standards for driver’s licenses and state identification cards. The law prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting licenses and ID cards that do not meet these minimum standards.
All states have now implemented the extra security measures required by the law when issuing driver’s licenses and ID cards. The card, itself, must be REAL ID compliant unless the resident is using an alternative acceptable document such as a passport or passport card, or state-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
To obtain a REAL ID in all states, you must provide, at a minimum, documentation showing:
New York offers three types of ID documents: 1) Standard licenses and IDs; 2) REAL IDs; and 3) Enhanced licenses and IDs. You must be a Lawful Permanent Resident or a U.S. Citizen to obtain a REAL ID, and only U.S. Citizens are eligible for Enhanced licenses and IDs. Only REAL IDs and Enhanced licenses/IDs issued by New York are approved for travel under the REAL ID law.
Standard licenses and IDs issued by New York will not be valid for travel once enforcement of the REAL ID law begins.
If you are an undocumented immigrant, an immigration attorney or qualified immigration law provider can help you learn about steps you can take to obtain legal status before the REAL ID law goes into effect.
To check if you have a REAL ID compliant card or to see what the cards look like, the Department of Homeland Security has set up this FAQ website:
Individual states may impose additional requirements, so check with your state’s driver’s licensing agency website, before visiting them in person, for additional guidance and assistance.
Until the Act goes into affect individuals can still board a commercial flight. If you want more information on what to keep in mind when traveling with your immigration status please review Immigrants Rising’s Guide for Undocumented Individuals Traveling in the U.S. and please contact CUNY Citizenship Now! for a lawyer consultation
at 646-664-9400 or email them your questions at
citizenshipnowinfo@cuny.edu.
CUNY colleges have designated staff to help you on campus. “Immigration Success Liaisons” can help you with questions about financial aid, enrollment, and other matters specific to your school. The Dream.US liaisons can help you apply to the TheDream.US scholarship. Use the list below to familiarize yourself with the staff who can support you in your CUNY journey.
Yohaly Navarrete – TheDream.US Liaison
Assistant Director
yohaly.navarrete@baruch.cuny.edu
Michelle Campos
Admissions Assistant
michelle.campos@baruch.cuny.edu
Brandy Peer
Associate Director of Community Standards
brandy.peer@baruch.cuny.edu
Sharon Ricks
Executive Director, Academic Advisement
TheDream.US Liaison
sharon.ricks@baruch.cuny.edu
Sabrina Kader
Academic Adviser
sabrina.kader@baruch.cuny.edu
Peter Dachille
Academic Adviser
peter.dachille@baruch.cuny.edu
Tiffany James – TheDream.US Liaison
Director of Student Success
tjames@bmcc.cuny.edu
Albert Lee – TheDream.US Liaison
Student Success Outreach and Programming Coordinator
allee@bmcc.cuny.edu
Tiffany Dubon-Yard
Associate Director of Student Life
tiffany.dubon@bcc.cuny.edu
Nathali Gil-Crotty
Enrollment Coordinator, DACA/Immigration Liaison
nathali.gil@bcc.cuny.edu
Dr. Manny Lopez – TheDream.US Liaison
Associate Dean for Student Development
manny.lopez@bcc.cuny.edu
Alán Fuentes
Director of Office of Career Development
Alan.fuentes@bcc.cuny.edu
Leslie Ramirez-Carbajal
Immigrant Student Success Program Coordinator
l.ramirezcarbajal@brooklyn.cuny.edu
Jesus Perez – TheDream.US Liaison
Director of Immigrant Student Success Office
jperez@brooklyn.cuny.edu
Marcus Richardson
Director of Financial Aid
MRichardson@brooklyn.cuny.edu
Daniela Alulema
Director of CCNY Immigrant Student Resource and Research Center
dalulema@cuny-iie.org
Angel Sutjipto
Immigrant Student Resource Coordinator
asutjipto@ccny.cuny.edu
Carlito Berlus – TheDream.US Liaison
Senior Academic Advisor
cberlus@ccny.cuny.edu
Michael Locke
Financial Aid Operations and Compliance Officer
mlocke@ccny.cuny.edu
Guillermo Rivera
Associate Director of Admissions
grivera@ccny.cuny.edu
Deven Fuentes
Bursar Specialist
dfuentes@ccny.cuny.edu
Maria DiStefano
Associate Registrar
mdistefano@ccny.cuny.edu
Crystal Deosaran
Student Services Specialist, CSI St. George
crystal.deosaran@csi.cuny.edu
Michele Callahan – TheDream.US Liaison
Fellowship and Scholarship Advisor
michele.callahan@csi.cuny.edu
Danielle Dimitrov
Executive Director of Student Affairs
Danielle.Dimitrov@csi.cuny.edu
Ingrid Japa
Administrative Assistant
ijapa@bmcc.cuny.edu
Amanda Rios
Student Affairs Coordinator
Amanda.Rios@law.cuny.edu
Lea Dias
Director of International Student Services
lea.dias@sph.cuny.edu
Dr. Anick Rolland
Associate Registrar
arolland@gc.cuny.edu
Colleen Leigh
Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management
colleen.leigh@journalism.cuny.edu
Samina Shahidi
Senior Academic Advisor
Samina.Shahidi@slu.cuny.edu
Padraig O’Donoghue
Student Services Manager
padraig.o’donoghue@slu.cuny.edu
Lisseth Fortiz
Bursar Coordinator
lisseth.fortiz@cuny.edu
Eddie Deleon
Admission Counselor
Eddie.Deleon@cuny.edu
Jessica Portilla
Financial Aid Specialist
Jessica.Portilla@guttman.cuny.edu
Dana LePage
Associate Director
Connect Center
Dana.LePage@guttman.cuny.edu
Sarina Harty – TheDream.US Liaison
Student Success Advocate
Advising & Transfer Support
Sarina.Harty@guttman.cuny.edu
Marina Esquilin – TheDream.US Liaison
Director of Scholarships
mesquilin@hostos.cuny.edu
Marsha Milan-Bethel
Student Services Specialist
mmilanbethel@hostos.cuny.edu
Fabian Wander
Director, Health and Wellness Center/Domestic Violence Program
fwander@hostos.cuny.edu
Jason Libfeld
Student Leadership Coordinator
TheDream.US Liaison
jlibfeld@hostos.cuny.edu
Marco Alba Betances
Program Assistant to Immigrant Student Success Manager
ma5084@hunter.cuny.edu
Raquel Torres
Immigrant Student Success Manager
rt2049@hunter.cuny.edu
Miesha Smith
Director of Student Life
ms177@hunter.cuny.edu
Denise Vivar – TheDream.US Liaison
Immigrant Student Success Center
dvivar@jjay.cuny.edu
Yaritma Cabral – TheDream.US Liaison
Academic Advisor
ycabral@jjay.cuny.edu
Helen-Margaret Nasser
Director, Student Union and Intercultural Center
TheDream.US Liaison
Helen.Nasser@kbcc.cuny.edu
Gavin Ireland – TheDream.US Liaison
Director of Recruitment & International Student Affairs
Gavin.Ireland@kbcc.cuny.edu
Cheryl Delacruz
Student Career Specialist
chdelacruz@lagcc.cuny.edu
Alexandra Gamboa – TheDream.US Liaison
Financial Aid Specialist, Student Affairs
algamboa@lagcc.cuny.edu
Jazmin Rodriguez
Financial Aid Specialist
jazmin.rodriguez@lehman.cuny.edu
Kevin Bukreev
Senior Career Specialist
kevin.bukreev@lehman.cuny.edu
Suzette Ramsundar
Director of Campus Life
suzette.ramsundar@lehman.cuny.edu
David Charcape
Assistant Director of Campus Life
david.charcape@lehman.cuny.edu
Oscar Rigamonty
Associate Director of Testing and Scholarships
oscar.rigamonty@lehman.cuny.edu
Gianina Chrisman – TheDream.US Liaison
Director of Career Development
gianina.chrisman@mhc.cuny.edu
Marianne Booufall-Tynan
Director of Enrollment Management
Marianne.Booufall-Tynan@mhc.cuny.edu
Evelyne Jacques-Chery – TheDream.US Liaison
Financial Aid Specialist and Dreamers Liaison
Ejacques@mec.cuny.edu
Gabriella Collantes-Woods – TheDream.US Liaison
SEEK Counselor
gabriella.collantes-woods40@citytech.cuny.edu
Paul Dorestant
Acting Director, SEEK Program
paul.dorestant72@citytech.cuny.edu
Carla Cordova
Program Coordinator, Immigrant Student Support Initiative
carla.cordovafarfan@qc.cuny.edu
Javette Smallwood – TheDream.US Liaison
Javette.Smallwood@qc.cuny.edu
Jenny Sanchez- Hernandez
Assistant Bursar
Jenny.Sanchez@qc.cuny.edu
Nancy Casey
Senior Academy Advisor
Ann.Casey@qc.cuny.edu
Jennifer Jarvis
Interim VP for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
Jennifer.Jarvis@qc.cuny.edu
Lampeto (Bette) Efthymiou – TheDream.US Liaison
Director, Center for International Affairs, Immigration and Study Abroad
lefthymiou@qcc.cuny.edu
Jeffrey Ballerini
Advisor, Center for International Affairs, Immigrant and Study Abroad
jballerini@qcc.cuny.edu
Kennybel Peña– TheDream.US Liaison
Director of Student Support, Advisement & Scholarship
kpena2@york.cuny.edu
Sheridan Bisram
Senior Academic Advisor
sbisram@york.cuny.edu
Grace-ann Prescod
Admissions Counselor
gprescod@york.cuny.edu
“It’s important for undocumented students to know what they’re eligible for. There were instances where I thought people at CUNY wouldn’t understand my situation. It’s important to know that, as an undocumented student, you’re not cut off from benefits and how CUNY can help you with all types of aid.”
– Pablo Galindo-Aragon, City Tech ‘20
Resources and guides about how to apply to CUNY and resources available at our campuses.
Breaks down varying immigration statuses, rights as an undocumented and immigrant students, applying to private aid, identifying undocu-friendly colleges, and applying to college as an undocumented and immigrant student.
Overview of the New York State Dream Act and State Aid for undocumented students, opportunities for private funding at CUNY and beyond.
Breakdown of resources available for CUNY students including Immigrant Student Success Liaisons, Centers, Offices, and Initiatives, in addition to College Dream Teams and resources our office provides.
This resource guide includes information about:
All of these resources have been vetted to ensure they are welcoming to new students regardless of immigration status.
Resources and guides about to help you obtain your career and higher education goals regardless of immigration status.
Guide on working with various immigration status, opening a bank account, developing your credit score, taxes and independent contracting.
Resource to help you understand your employment rights with DACA/TPS and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Explanation on entrepreneurship and resources to finance and market your own business.
Interactive guide to starting your own business, nonprofit, or entrepreneurship. Website provide diverse examples of undocumented entrepreneurs in various fields.
Guide on working with various immigration status, opening a bank account, developing your credit score, taxes and independent contracting.
Buying your first home is an exciting achievement, but the process can take longer and involve more steps if you’re an immigrant choosing to buy a home in the U.S. Aside from dealing with mountains of paperwork, when you’re a foreign national or resident alien looking to purchase a home in the U.S., you’ll need to understand residency requirements, visa restrictions and how mortgages and loans function.
The time and effort you put into owning a home as an immigrant is usually well worth the effort. Homeownership in the U.S. is still a great way to secure a solid financial future for yourself and your family.
There are many ways DACA recipients and build their life, such as buying a home and homeowners insurance, and traveling, recipients can embark on their financial journey in the United States. This website provide a comprehensive guide on all these ventures.
Tis is a brand new resource by the President’s Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration which provides guidance on how to get funding and institutional support as you navigate gradate school.
Resource and Community Support for undocumented students pursuing health-related professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, nursing, and research.
Skills building resources, professional network, and learning community for individuals interested in pursuing a high-skilled level jobs in tech.
This guide covers things to consider when applying to graduate school as an undocumented students, programs that fund undocumented students and resources to help you with your application.
A series of narratives by undocumented graduate students that details their experiences applying and attending graduate school programs
An immigrant-led initiative that uplifts undocumented educators. This team is made up of directly-impacted community educators and teachers in NYC. They work together to center the narratives of current and aspiring undocumented educators.
A platform for the undocumented communities to highlight their experiences from student as they transition to professionals.
Undocumented professional opportunities are impacted by work authorization, certification, and licensing. A lot of spaces with resources are available on Instagram, be sure to check out these pages:
On September 2022, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) released new guidance allowing undocumented students enrolled in education programs to do fieldwork, take State certification exams, and/or student teach in certain schools in New York State.
The CUNY Initiative on Immigration and Education created a page which details the new guidance, frequently asked questions, and a video guide.
Safe and secure legal resources available to CUNY students and all New Yorkers.
Services: DACA, TPS, public charge, citizenship, green card applications and renewals
Cost: Free
Contact: Hotline: 1-800-354-0365 or 311 and say ‘ActionNYC’
Services: Adjustment of status, asylum applications, DACA, employment authorization, family-based petitions, habeas corpus, naturalization/citizenship, removal hearings, special immigrant juvenile status
Cost: Free
Services: Naturalization, certificates of citizenship, renewal of immigration documents, full and partial-fee waiver requests, family-based petitions, DACA, TPS, adjustment of status, consular processing.
Cost: Free
Services: Landlord -tenant disputes, public benefits, workplace justice, immigration, family law justice, civil rights justice
Cost: Free
Services: VOLS helps to secure government benefits, to stave off evictions, to resolve immigration issues, to start small businesses, and much more
Cost: Free
Services: They support with removal defense, queer immigration justice, post order defense, and immigrant wellness.
Cost: Free
Find a testing site near you.
COVID-19 testing, evaluation, and treatment will be provided under Emergency Medicaid. This means all low-income individuals, regardless of immigration status, will have these services covered.
The Get Covered! Individuals and Families fact sheets helps residents understand their health insurance and coverage options and the financial help that is available to make it more affordable.
In NYS, all pregnant women who are low-income can receive Medicaid, regardless of immigration status. All children in NYS are eligible for Child Health Plus regardless of immigration status. Some immigrants, like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and those permanently residing under color of law (PRUCOL), can qualify for NYS Medicaid. Undocumented immigrants who are low-income can be pre-approved for Medicaid that covers emergency health issues ONLY.
CUNY colleges have counseling centers that can assist with counseling or referrals.
Mental health services are available regardless of immigration status and in many languages. Visit the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene website to make an appointment, or call 311.
New York City Health Department clinics offer services, regardless of immigration status.
Services: a State funded initiative to support educators working with immigrant and undocumented students across NY State.
Cost: Free
Services: Scholarships, work opportunities and general resources.
Cost: Free
Services: Enrich, equip, and empower the Latinx community in Brooklyn and beyond with programs for adult education, health wellness, mental health, and immigrant right program.
Cost: Free
Need help finding other resources as an immigrant in NYC? Check out the links below:
Administrative Warrant
A warrant that holds little to know legal value. ICE officers cannot enter private spaces with this warrant because their own agency created it and thus, it was NOT signed by a judge.
Deferred Act for Childhood Arrival (DACA)
Federal immigration policy that allows children brought to the US illegally to avoid immediate deportation and receive work authorization.
Dignity for All Students Act
A New York State act signed into law in 2012 to provide all students, including immigrant-origin students, with a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying (including cyberbullying).
F1 Visa
In general ‘F’ visas are issued for academic study purposes. F1 students need to take minimum credits required for full-time students in order to maintain their visas. This visa also allows for students to be employed on campus (less than 20 hr/week).
H1-B Visa
A non-immigrant visa that gives US companies the ability to employee graduate-level workers in specialized fields of work such as Medicine, STEM, Finance, Accounting, Architecture, etc. This visa can last up to six years. Current US Immigration law allows for there to be 65,000 H-1B visas issued each year, with 20,00 additional visas issued to foreign students who are in graduate-level programs.
Humanitarian Visas
A visa that allows a person to become a lawful permanent resident because they suffered some harm or were a victim of a crime. The most common humanitarian visas include the following statuses; refugee, asylee, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioner, T visa for a victim of human trafficking, U visa for a crime victim, or special immigrant juvenile status (SIJ) for minors who have been abused, neglected or abandoned by a parent.
I-9 Work Authorization
Documentation that proves that one can work. This documentation is usually given to employees by one’s employer.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
An agency within the Department of Homeland Security whose stated mission is to “protect America from the cross-border crime and illegal immigration that threaten national security and public safety.”
International Student
Non-immigrants who come to the United States temporarily to take classes at a U.S. University or place of higher education.
ITIN number
Issued to residents with foreign status and to undocumented immigrants. An ITIN is often used on tax forms as undocumented immigrants cannot be issued a social security number.
J1 VISA
Given to students who seek to obtain practical training in a given field that is not available in their native country in order to complete an academic program.
Judicial Warrant
A warrant that gives ICE officers permission to enter private spaces. This warrant is signed by a judge and includes the address of the Courthouse where it was signed.
Plyler v Doe
A 1982 Supreme Court ruling that established that all school-age K-12 students be afforded protections by the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, regardless of immigration status. Undocumented students cannot be denied enrollment in public schools. Schools cannot ask about immigration status or social security numbers of their students and families.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
Minors (21 and under) in the United States who have been abused, abandoned or neglected by one or both parents, may be eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile classification. If this classification is granted, the minor may qualify for lawful permanent residency, also known as getting a Green Card.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Status granted to natives of certain countries who have experienced (1) natural disaster in the homeland or (2) ongoing conflict. TPS is available to specific countries and status is granted for a limited period of time.
Undocumented Student
A student in the United States without a legal immigration status. DACA students are sometimes referred to as “undocumented” though they have the right to live and work in the United States.
Visiting Student
A person from overseas who applies to spend a semester or a year at another University outside of their home University.
Be aware that undocumented students may approach business-as-usual processes and protocols related to applying for financial aid or getting a driver’s license with anxiety, fear and distrust. Be mindful of these signs and let undocumented students know that you are an UndocuAlly:
CUNY TV’s “I am a dreamer” series provides a glimpse into life as an undocumented New Yorker.
