BMCC Immigrant Resource Center
At BMCC, we understand that the immigration system impacts undocumented and immigrant students within and outside the classroom. The Immigrant Resource Center, housed within BMCC’s Center for Belonging and Inclusion, provides holistic services that center students’ mental health and well-being. We believe that 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.
BMCC Immigrant and Undocumented Student Success Team
The BMCC Immigrant and Undocumented Student Success team provides immigrant and undocumented students guidance and resources for their academic journeys at BMCC, to stay safe and empowered regardless of paperwork status.
- Albert Lee
Student Success Specialist/Immigration Liaison
(212) 776-6252
allee@bmcc.cuny.edu
Monday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (remote)
Tuesday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (remote)
Wednesday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (in-person)
Thursday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (in-person)
Friday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (in-person)
Tiffany James
Student Success Director
tjames@bmcc.cuny.edu
Monday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (in-person)
Tuesday.: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (remote)
Wednesday.: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (in-person)
Thursday.: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (in-person)
Friday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (remote)
BMCC Advocacy Resource Center
CUNY Citizenship NOW! has partnered with BMCC to bring immigration services to BMCC students. Our assigned attorney, Tamara, will be available once a month to consult on immigration issues and assist with Naturalization Applications, TPS and DACA Applications, as well as advise on other immigration issues. All consultations are by appointment only. Please take advantage of this wonderful opportunity by contacting the Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC@bmcc.cuny.edu) to set up an appointment. They are in Room S-230, at 199 Chambers Street. See the Advocacy and Resource Center website for current days/hours and more information about services.
Financial Aid Opportunities
- Apply for New York State Financial Aid (TAP & Excelsior)
- Alternate Eligibility Path
- This application is designed for students who are a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, but at least one of the student’s family members who is a required FAFSA contributor is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- New York State recognizes the concerns around the sensitivity of personal information students whose family members have a different immigration status may face when deciding whether or not to complete the FAFSA.
- Senator Jose Peralta NYS DREAM Act
- The Senator José Peralta New York State DREAM Act gives students who received their high school degree or GED in New York State and students receiving in-state tuition, including undocumented students, access to New York State‐administered student financial aid to support their higher education costs.
- If you need to update anything on the application please reach out to ISTS: NYSDREAM@applyISTS.com
- If you have not heard back about your application please reach out to dreamactcc@hesc.ny.gov
- Alternate Eligibility Path
- TheDream.US National Scholarship
- The nation’s largest college and career success program for undocumented immigrant youth, having provided more than 10,000 college scholarships to Dreamers in more than 20 states.
Legal Resources
- CUNY Immigration Assistance Project (CIAP)
- New rapid response legal resource for those impacted by recent immigration policy changes
- Free immigration consultations
- Immigration application assistance
- Information about immigration policies and updates
- Referrals to trusted legal resources
- Guidance for students navigating immigration questions while enrolled at CUNY
- If a current CUNY student, faculty or staff member is detained, they or their family members should email immigrationhelp@cuny.edu.
- CUNY Citizenship NOW
- Free, high-quality, and confidential immigration law services to help you and your family on your path to U.S. citizenship
- For more information and speak to one of our staff members about your case:
- Call 646-664-9400 or 212-652-2071 (No texts)
- Text 929-334-3784 (No calls)
- Request a call by completing this form
- As always, all our services are free.
- Immigration Law Updates
- U.S. immigration policy is changing rapidly.
- The White House issued several Executive Orders (EO) that proposed changes to regulations that impact the rights of lawful permanent residents, Temporary Protective Status (TPS) holders, individuals here with Humanitarian Parole, and undocumented immigrants.
- This website provides general information, but it is not legal advice. Speak to an authorized legal service provider to ensure you know all your options.
