Immigrant/Undocumented Student Resource Toolkit

Supporting Immigrant and Undocumented Students at CUNY SPS

Last updated: August 2025

Overview

This toolkit provides key legal protections, resources, and best practices to help undocumented and immigrant students navigate their experience at CUNY SPS. It also includes information on scholarships, mental health services, legal aid, and campus protocols to safeguard students’ right to a higher education.

Legal Protections & Student Privacy

• Federal, state, and city laws protect students. Access to student records or campus requires one of the following: a judicial warrant, a legitimate safety concern, or student consent.
• Federal protections include FERPA, the Higher Education Act, and the Privacy Act.
• State protections include NYS Education Law, Executive Order 170, and the Green Light Law.
• NYC sanctuary laws restrict ICE presence on campus property or access to data without judicial authorization.

ICE Encounters on Campus

• Stay calm
• Do not provide any information
• Do not sign documents
• Notify designated campus staff: Office of Public Safety 
• Request to speak to a lawyer
• Do not obstruct or interfere physically
• Document the incident immediately

Sample response:
"I am not authorized to provide you with information. I will notify the appropriate office now."

CUNY SPS recommends following protocols that were mentioned above which were modeled after those used at institutions like:

• Hunter College
• Northeastern
• Illinois University
• Santa Rosa Junior College

Grants
The Dream. US: The Dream. US is the nation’s largest scholarship program for undocumented immigrant students, often referred to as “Dreamers.” It offers renewable scholarships that cover tuition and fees at partner colleges nationwide. The program aims to help students complete their degrees and achieve upward mobility. https://www.thedream.us/scholarships/

Scholarships

• Jose Peralta NY Dream Act: The New York State Jose Peralta Dream Act allows undocumented and other eligible students who attended high school in New York to apply for state financial aid. This includes Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) grants, Excelsior Scholarships, and other state‐administered awards. It ensures access to higher education funding regardless of immigration status. https://www.hesc.ny.gov/dream/
• MALDEF Scholarship Guide: The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) publishes an annual scholarship resource guide. It compiles a wide range of scholarships and fellowships available to Latino students, regardless of immigration status. The guide also includes helpful tips on navigating financial aid processes. https://www.maldef.org/resources/scholarship-resource-guide-2024-2025/
• Immigrants Rising Scholarship List: Immigrants Rising maintains an extensive list of scholarships and fellowships open to undocumented students across the U.S. The list is regularly updated and categorized by education level and deadlines. It also offers guidance to empower immigrant students in pursuing higher education opportunities.: https://immigrantsrising.org/resource/list-of-scholarships-and-fellowships/

Legal, Mental Health & Career Services

Legal Services:

• CUNY Citizenship Now!
• ImmigrationLawHelp.org
• Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A
• Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrant Rights

Mental Health Services:

• CUNY SPS Counseling Services
  SPS Student Counseling Services provides confidential and free mental health support to all enrolled students. To learn more or to schedule an Initial Consultation, please email Student Counseling Services or call (646) 664-8647.
  Email: counseling@sps.cuny.edu
  Phone: (212) 652-2049
  Website: https://sps.cuny.edu/student-services/student-counseling-services

Career Services:

• CUNY SPS Career Services: The CUNY School of Professional Studies Career Services office provides career counseling, résumé reviews, interview preparation, and job search assistance. They connect students and alumni with career resources and opportunities to support professional growth.
  Email: career.services@sps.cuny.edu
  Phone: (646) 664-8618
  Website: https://sps.cuny.edu/student-services/career-services
• CUNY Immigrant Student Success Program: This CUNY-wide initiative offers support for immigrant students navigating academic, financial, and career challenges. The program provides resources, advocacy, and guidance to support students in achieving success in higher education and beyond.
  Learn more: https://www.cuny.edu/about/administration/offices/student-affairs/cuny-immigrant-student-success/

Student Empowerment Guides:

• Income Generation Toolkit: This toolkit, developed by the University of California system, outlines income-generating options available to undocumented students. It explains legal frameworks, opportunities for entrepreneurship, and alternative pathways for financial stability. Stability. https://undoc.universityofcalifornia.edu/files/income-generation-options-for-undocumented-students-toolkit.pdf
• Freelancer Guide: Published by Immigrants Rising, this guide helps undocumented students and educators explore independent contracting and freelance opportunities. It offers practical steps, tips, and strategies for starting as a freelancer. https://immigrantsrising.org/wp-content/uploads/Immigrants-Rising_5-Tips-for-Educators-to-Help-Students-Get-Started-as-Independent-Contractors-or-Freelancers.pdf
• Spark Entrepreneurship Program: Immigrants Rising’s Spark program supports undocumented students interested in launching businesses or entrepreneurial ventures. It provides mentorship, workshops, and funding opportunities to encourage innovation and financial independence. https://spark.immigrantsrising.org/
• Worker Co-Op Directory: Maintained by the New York State Youth Leadership Council, this directory highlights worker cooperatives that provide job opportunities for immigrant and undocumented communities. It serves as a resource for finding supportive, inclusive workplaces that value collective ownership.
• First Gen Empower: First Gen Empower is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting first-generation college students in their academic and professional journeys. The organization offers mentorship, leadership development, and access to resources that help students navigate college, prepare for careers, and achieve personal growth. Its programs are designed to empower students to succeed while building community and representation for first-generation voices.
  Email: info@firstgenempower.org
  Website: https://firstgenempower.org/what-we-do
   

Office of Student Services 
Parshotam Lal 
Student Life Coordinator and Undocumented Liaison 
Email: studentservices@sps.cuny.edu
Website: https://sps.cuny.edu/student-services