LaGuardia Community College opened its Office of Immigrant Student Empowerment on Tuesday, Oct. 27.
The new office is LaGuardia’s first of its kind in the CUNY system
LaGuardia Community College opened its Office of Immigrant Student Empowerment on Tuesday, Oct. 27, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. New York State Assemblymember Claire Valdez and LaGuardia Community College President Kenneth Adams spoke at the celebration. The office is the first of its kind at a community college in the City University of New York system, giving immigrant students a dedicated point of contact at the college.¹²
Students can find the office in Room C786 of the C Building at 29-10 Thomson Ave. Denise I. Vivar serves as its director. Funding from the Carroll and Milton Petrie Foundation supported the office’s creation, providing financial backing for the college to establish the new service.¹²
The office links students to money and practical support
Since it began serving students in the spring, the office has helped more than 70 students. One is Zoe, a psychology major from Jamaica who is identified by her first name only. Her example shows the office serving students directly, rather than operating only as a college initiative announced at its opening.¹²
The office connects students to scholarships, experiential learning stipends and emergency assistance.
The office connects students to scholarships, experiential learning stipends and emergency assistance. It also links them to other supports through the Friedman Fund for new New Yorkers and LaGuardia CARES. The mix of services addresses several immediate needs: financial help, funding tied to experiential learning and access to additional support programs.¹²
Career GuidanceEli Lilly Raises 2026 Revenue Outlook on Obesity Drug Demand
Eli Lilly raised its 2026 revenue outlook to $91-$92 billion after third-quarter earnings beat estimates, driven by surging sales of Zepbound and Mounjaro.
Read More →
College leaders cite fear and legal uncertainty as student concerns
Alexis McLean, vice president for student affairs at LaGuardia, said the college’s location in Queens, home to a large immigrant population, made support for immigrant and undocumented students a priority. Her explanation ties the office’s focus to the community around the college, as well as to students’ needs on campus.¹²
McLean said many undocumented students became fearful of coming to school in the current sociopolitical climate. That fear creates a practical barrier to accessing college support: students who are afraid to come to campus may have difficulty reaching services there. The office is part of LaGuardia’s response to the concerns McLean described.¹²
Legal help can affect enrolment and tuition eligibility
Alex Perez-Meza, administrative coordinator in the office, said a student’s legal circumstances can affect whether they can remain enrolled and qualify for in-state tuition. He described legal assistance as one of the center’s most sought-after services. That connection makes legal questions consequential for students’ ability to continue their studies and access a lower tuition rate.¹²
That guidance can help students work toward a long-term pathway while they are in college and potentially open career doors, he said.
Perez-Meza said he prioritizes helping students understand their legal rights and their eligibility to receive certain statuses. That guidance can help students work toward a long-term pathway while they are in college and potentially open career doors, he said. The office therefore connects immediate legal questions with students’ ability to plan beyond the current term.¹²
Career GuidanceHonda Warns 50% Canada Auto Tariffs Would Be Catastrophic
Thomas urged the US, Canada and Mexico to keep a trilateral trade framework as trade talks resumed and levies on critical materials eased.
Read More →The office was established amid federal policy changes affecting immigrant and undocumented college students nationwide. More than 120,000 undocumented college students have lost access to in-state tuition rates following federal lawsuits in five states. In February, federal agents entered a campus residential building at Columbia University and detained a student.¹²
In June, CUNY announced the creation of the Institute for LGBTQIA+ Community Engagement and Public History, based at LaGuardia. The announcement placed another CUNY institute at the college, alongside its new office focused on immigrant student support.¹²
Legal status now shapes tuition and career paths
If you are an undocumented or immigrant student, your legal status directly affects your tuition rate and your ability to stay enrolled. More than 120,000 students have already lost in-state tuition access in five states, so check your eligibility before choosing a college or a course. A dedicated office like LaGuardia's can connect you to legal guidance, scholarships, and emergency funds, which may be the difference between continuing your studies and stopping out.¹²
For career planning, prioritize understanding your legal rights and possible statuses early, as this can open long-term career doors. If you work in student services or higher education, expect legal assistance to be among the most requested supports, and build skills in navigating immigration-related enrollment questions. Also plan for campus access risks: fear of coming to school can block you from services, so seek remote or alternative support options if needed.¹²
If you work in student services or higher education, expect legal assistance to be among the most requested supports, and build skills in navigating immigration-related enrollment questions.
Sources
Written by Career Ahead AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify key facts. Report errors to support@careeraheadonline.com
