BY: SAMANTHA LORISTON
As concerns grow about U.S. immigration policies under a new Republican administration, immigrant communities, educators, and legal experts in New York say students and families should put protections in place, seek out legal supports, and allocate resources to help them navigate an uncertain immigration landscape. They also point out that this is not the first time immigrant rights have been threatened. They have made such preparations before.
A college campus administrator, speaking anonymously, emphasized the importance of proactive and thoughtful planning in past cases. “We focused on providing steady, visionary support rather than reactionary responses. It was essential to prioritize high-quality education while calming fears and addressing immediate concerns,” the administrator said.
Legal assistance was a cornerstone of these efforts. Programs like CUNY Citizenship Now offer free legal screenings, helped many discover solutions they had not known were available. “A simple consultation could reveal options people didn’t realize existed,” the administrator explained, urging students to use these services.
The administrator encourages students to seek counseling and engage with community groups to build resilience. “Ensuring people feel emotionally supported and part of a community is key during these uncertain times,” he said.
For students like Alante Richards, a sales manager at CVS and first-generation immigrant, preparation has been an essential part of his life in the United States. Richards prioritized securing funding for his education and understanding his rights under state laws. “I applied for scholarships early and educated myself on my rights. Mentally, I prepared for whatever might happen,” he said.
Without family discussions about immigration policy, Richards relied heavily on campus resources like the Immigrant Student Success Office (ISSO). “The office was a vital source of moral and legal support. It was reassuring to have that community,” he reflected.
Immigration attorney Allan Wernick highlighted the critical importance of legal awareness and preparation. “Unless someone has an outstanding deportation order, they have the right to a hearing, an attorney, and an appeal,” Wernick advised.
He also recommended practical measures, such as creating emergency plans, arranging care for children, and compiling contact lists of trusted individuals. Preparation can make all the difference. For example, someone who has been in the U.S. for 10 years and can prove their deportation would cause hardship to a family member might have a viable defense, Wernick explained.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals is one defense. DACA is a program that lets some people who came to the U.S as kids without proper documents stay in the country and work legally for two years at a time , without being deported.
Wernick reassured DACA recipients, encouraging them to apply for extensions and emphasizing the logistical challenges of large-scale deportations. “Mass deportations are unlikely due to their cost and complexity. Enforcement would likely target individuals with criminal records or existing deportation orders,” he said.
The mental health toll of immigration uncertainty is significant. Advocates stress the importance of building community to combat isolation and stress. “Creating a sense of belonging is essential to help individuals feel seen, heard, and supported,” the campus administrator noted.
Student Richards has found comfort in campus support groups. “Being part of those communities was reassuring during such an uncertain time,” he said.
“At that time, focusing on what we could control was vital,” the administrator concluded. “Delivering quality education and fostering resilience remained our core mission.”