In light of the rapidly evolving policy landscape related to immigration and the implications for students, faculty, and staff at colleges and universities, we are introducing the Hunter Global Awareness Bulletin. Here we will provide synopses of news and policy updates about immigration, international travel, study abroad, and related matters that may affect Hunter students, faculty, and staff, pointing to resources at Hunter and elsewhere that further information may be found.
Immigration
Shifts in federal policy and policy enforcement regarding immigration make it important for students, faculty, and staff to maintain heightened awareness of immigration status—for ourselves and/or for our fellow community members. All members of the Hunter community are strongly encouraged to consult the following sources for up-to-date information about the impacts of immigration policy changes.
- Hunter College Immigrant Student Success Center, a resource for students, as well as faculty and staff, where information resources and guidance may be found. The center provides frequent updates on supports for immigrant students and related issues affecting the Hunter community through its Instagram account.
- Citizenship Now!, based at CUNY, is the largest university legal assistance program in the nation, providing free and confidential citizenship and immigration law services since 1997.
- The Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, a national nonprofit organization of college and university presidents dedicated to increasing public understanding of how immigration policies and practices impact our students, campuses, and communities.
Recent media reports about the detainment of students with valid visas or other immigration documents are raising serious concerns across American higher education. In fact, the Presidents’ Alliance on Monday, March 31, issued a statement condemning the apprehension and detention of international students. Hunter College President Nancy Cantor co-chairs the alliance Steering Committee.
International Travel
Hunter College Provost Manoj Pardasani has issued an important advisory to the Hunter College community regarding increased scrutiny being exercised by federal officials upon re-entry to the U.S. from travel abroad, regardless of the citizenship status of the traveler. The advisory, which has been posted online, suggests that members of the Hunter community who are of immigrant origin, hold a visa to study or work in the U.S., or who hold U.S. permanent resident status refrain from unnecessary international travel at this time. We urge all who are planning travel abroad, or who facilitate travel abroad, to review the detailed information in that important advisory.
In a parallel development, there are federal policy shifts occurring that affect members of the LGBTQ+ community, reflecting an Executive Order that impacts trans people’s ability to obtain passports (among other documents) that align with their gender identity. The New York Civil Liberties Union has posted “Know Your Rights” guidance on these and related matters.
Study Abroad
That same guidance applies to students contemplating study abroad for Fall 2025, as well as faculty and staff members involved in coordinating study abroad. Consistent with the latest advice from Global CUNY, Hunter College Education Abroad is advising that members of the Hunter community who are of immigrant origin, hold a visa to study or work in the U.S., or who hold U.S. permanent resident status refrain from participating in Study Abroad programs for Fall 2025. Hunter is now exploring opportunities for students to study away from campus without having to travel abroad. More information will be in a future issue of the Hunter Global Awareness Bulletin.
Protecting Immigrant Students
Consistent with CUNY policy on the access of law enforcement to university facilities, Hunter’s policy has strong protections in place to assure the legal right to privacy of all members of the Hunter community while they are at Hunter College or the Hunter College Campus Schools (HCCS). Consistent with the rule of law, Hunter College/HCCS does not permit law enforcement agents, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel, to enter our properties except when compelled to do so by law. The precise protocol to follow in these cases is explained in Hunter’s policy.
