LaGuardia Community College has officially opened its Office of Immigrant Student Empowerment, marking the first such initiative within the City University of New York (CUNY) system. The new hub was established in response to growing uncertainty among undocumented students and those from mixed-status families regarding their ability to enroll and complete degrees amidst sweeping federal immigration raids.
While some institutions have entered agreements allowing campus police to assist immigration authorities or discouraged sanctuary campus efforts, LaGuardia is taking a proactive approach to support its diverse student body. Since beginning operations in the spring, the office has facilitated connections between students and essential services through partnerships with CUNY Citizenship Now!, the college's student advocacy committee, and various community organizations.
The office provides access to legal resources, financial assistance, academic support, and community-based services. It specifically links students to scholarships, experiential learning stipends, and emergency aid via the Friedman Fund for new New Yorkers and LaGuardia CARES. These measures aim to help students overcome financial barriers and remain enrolled in their educational programs.
Alexis McLean, vice president for student affairs at LaGuardia, noted that the college's location in Queens, which hosts a large immigrant population, made supporting these students a priority. She observed a growing reluctance among some undocumented students to attend classes in person due to fear of detention or deportation, with many preferring online courses or email communication.
McLean emphasized that addressing the external anxieties facing these students is crucial for their success inside the classroom. "A lot of our undocumented students, particularly in this sociopolitical climate, became quite fearful of coming to school," she stated. The goal is to supplement classroom learning with support systems that allow students to thrive despite the challenging environment.
The office was established with support from the Carroll and Milton Petrie Foundation as federal policies continue to impact immigrant college students nationwide. The Trump administration has challenged state policies allowing in-state tuition for undocumented students, leading to higher costs for over 120,000 students in five states following federal lawsuits. Additionally, enforcement actions on campuses, such as a February incident at Columbia University where federal agents detained a student, have heightened concerns about campus safety and the need for legal protocols.
Alex Perez-Meza, administrative coordinator at the new office, highlighted that legal assistance is one of the most sought-after services, as a student's legal status directly affects their ability to qualify for in-state tuition and remain enrolled. "Everything is connected," Perez-Meza explained, noting that understanding legal rights helps create long-term pathways for students while they pursue their degrees.
Among the more than 70 students already served is Zoe, a psychology major from Jamaica who requested anonymity. She described the office as a vital space where she feels seen and supported, calling it a "second home" that connects her to resources capable of altering her life trajectory.
LaGuardia has also positioned itself as a hub for other underserved populations, recently hosting the CUNY Institute for LGBTQIA+ Community Engagement and Public History. Beyond practical resources, Perez-Meza stated that the office aims to foster a sense of belonging for students who may feel disconnected from campus life or hesitant to join clubs.
Perez-Meza stressed that supporting immigrant students requires collaboration across institutions rather than working in silos, ensuring faculty and staff can provide accurate information or refer students to appropriate experts. McLean concluded that while institutions must be strategic about data privacy, they must also remain fearless in their commitment to serve all students, noting that addressing needs outside the classroom is essential for student retention and graduation.
Sources: Inside Higher Ed.