Make A Difference
Our Students
LaGuardia’s long-standing commitment to welcoming, protecting and supporting our students, regardless of immigration status, has not wavered since our founding. We remain committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and will steadfastly continue to offer a welcoming environment for students of all backgrounds.
Immigrant students, which include undocumented and those with DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) status, make up over 40% of LaGuardia’s student population. They face an enormously challenging road to a college degree. They deal with incredibly complex financial and life challenges and make countless personal sacrifices as they pursue the American dream.
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) is an immigration option for undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States before the age of 16. Although DACA does not currently provide a pathway to lawful permanent residence, it does provide temporary protection from deportation, work authorization, and the ability to apply for a social security number. Shortly after President Trump took office in 2017, he’s undertaken efforts to try to end the DACA program.
Antonio Alarcón (LaGuardia’15) is a co-plaintiff in a landmark case, U.S. Department of Homeland Security v. Vidal et al., that could determine the future of DACA. The case was argued before the U.S. Supreme Court on November 12, 2019. Alarcón was in the courtroom that day, along with lead plaintiff and former LaGuardia student Martin Batalla Vidal.
The Supreme Court is expected to issue its decision on the case before the end of June 2020.
Just days before oral arguments were heard in the case, Alarcón and Vidal participated in a forum (watch video here) at LaGuardia. They were joined by Ricardo Aca (LaGuardia’12), who has helped to drive public support for Dreamers, as DACA-holders are known, as an organizer for the influential immigrant advocacy group Make the Road New York.
The forum was hosted by LaGuardia Community College Interim President Paul Arcario and LaGuardia Rising, a volunteer committee made up of faculty, staff and students committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all LaGuardia students—regardless of their immigration status.
On Tuesday, June 16, 2020, Alarcón will give the keynote address at the college’s virtual celebration for the LaGuardia Class of 2020.
Photo shows LaGuardia Interim President Paul Arcario with, from left to right: Ricardo Aca, Martin Batalla Vidal, and Antonio Alarcón.
For more information, check out:
- The Daily Beast, “ Waiting for SCOTUS: The Nerve-Wracking Monday LGBTQ Ritual,” June 10, 2020
- Univision, “ Dreamers await supreme court DACA decision amid uncertain future,” June 9, 2020
- Washington Post, “ Immigrants anxious as they await Supreme Court DACA decision,” by Astrid Galvan, June 4, 2020
- CNN with Anderson Cooper, “ DACA recipient has a message for President Trump,” November 12, 2019
- Gothamist/WNYC, “ Energized In Fight Against Trump, New York Plaintiffs Head to D.C. for Supreme Court’s DACA Hearing,” by Beth Fertig, Nov. 11, 2019
- Associated Press, KNBC Los Angeles, “ As DACA Ruling Nears, Immigrant Fights for Anti-Deportation Act,” by Claudia Torrens, Nov. 11, 2019
- The Long island City/Astoria Journal, “ Plaintiffs in DACA fight talk Supreme Court case,” by Benjamin Fang, Nov. 12, 2019
Please stay tuned for updates.
LaGuardia Rising
As mentioned above, LaGuardia Rising is a volunteer committee made up of a cross-section of students, faculty, and staff who share a commitment to ensuring the safety and protection of the rights of all LaGuardia Community College students, particularly new immigrant, international, and undocumented students. Appointed by the President of the College, the Committee advises on substantive steps the college can take to:
- Provide access to legal assistance, financial help, access to benefits and other support services for students, faculty and staff impacted by recent immigration executive orders and other actions.
- Ensure the swift and vigorous response to any situations of harassment or intimidation, either on or off campus.
The committee strives to connect and coordinate relevant resources and services across the campus and in the community, so that all members of the LaGuardia community are aware of and able to access these resources and services as needed.
New ideas and members are always welcome.
If you want to get involved, please contact Committee Chairs:
Paula Da Silva Michelin, pmichelin@lagcc.cuny.edu
Yacquelin Nava, ynava@lagcc.cuny.edu
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