Immigration Support

Adelphi is actively responding to emerging issues related to DACA and immigration. The DACA, International and Immigration Task Force is developing a new initiative to provide confidential allies as a resource and to provide guidance for those affected. In the near future, the University will share the names of those trusted individuals who will serve in this role. In the meantime, please refer to this guide from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center for crucial information on the end of DACA. Please contact our Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion with questions at audiversity@adelphi.edu.

The University has reached out and given support to those students who may be adversely affected by a possible future change in DACA. We will continue to actively monitor the situation and provide support, to the extent possible, to our students.

President Christine Riordan has joined university presidents across the country in signing letters in support of maintaining DACA and in response to the immigration ban.

At the request of Governor Andrew Cuomo, like so many other institutions of higher learning in New York State, Dr. Riordan distributed to our community the governor’s letter in which he reminds us that it is an American value to serve as a source of hope for those in need. On Monday, December 5, 2016, a small group of faculty members met with Dr. Riordan and members of Adelphi leadership to discuss ongoing support for our Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students. Read about the meeting and the resulting action steps in this open letter to the campus community.

In Spring 2017 the DACA, International and Immigration Task ​Force accepted applications from students who ​required assistance meeting an unexpected financial need because they were unable to travel home over the summer due to the Executive Orders proposed by the current administration.

The concept of “Sanctuary Campus” has been a topic of discussion at campuses across the country and at Adelphi University. Adelphi’s response can be viewed below: We will continue to stay actively engaged with our national associations, such as the American Council on Education, and our state associations, such as the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities, as any policy reform may develop, to ensure that the rights of our students and our University are protected in any proposed changes.

Sanctuary Campus in Concept: Adelphi Response and Resources

Adelphi will not voluntarily participate in immigration enforcement activities, but legally cannot block law enforcement agencies that do so.

Adelphi remains committed to the protection of our students’rights and privacy. One of our key institutional values is to promote student success and education, and the International and Immigration Task Force will continue to tirelessly advocate on behalf of our vulnerable student populations.

We remain personally engaged in making sure our students, faculty, and staff are able to study and live here without fear of harassment, intimidation, or discrimination, and we know you stand with us in keeping Adelphi a welcoming and supportive community for all.

In support of this vision, listed below are established university policies and protocols.

Protocols for Contact from Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Established standards when responding to Requests for Information from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Agencies.

Admissions and Aid Policies

• Adelphi does not ask in-depth questions on immigration status in our admissions applications. Thus, Adelphi does not have any records that would identify students as undocumented unless a particular student has self-disclosed information in an essay or supporting material. Adelphi does not actively track any of this self-identifying information.
• The University does not voluntarily report or share information about undocumented immigrants to any governmental agency or authority and cannot do so without a subpoena or court order.
• We welcome all academically qualified students who wish to attend Adelphi University.
• All academically qualified students receive consideration for merit scholarships regardless of immigration status.
• Regardless of a parent’s citizenship status, a child who is a U.S. citizen is eligible to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). All need-based financial aid will be dependent on the information contained in the FAFSA form. Merit aid is considered separately from need-based aid.
• Students can register for classes for three years following a leave of absence. After three years, students must complete a simple form to ensure their course of study is still on track with curriculum guidelines.
• All students have access to their education records, consistent with FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act).

The International and Immigration Task Force is responsible for the following action items in efforts to support the student community:

1. Coordinate communication to the university community regarding Federal policies and guidance affecting students, and when possible collaborate with university stakeholders to respond to their needs.
2. Review and identify institutional policies limiting access to students and make appropriate recommendations based on current challenges/needs.
3. Communicate with student, faculty, and administrative constituents to identify causes for concern.
4. Create and strengthen partnerships both on and off-campus to ensure the ongoing success of students.

Immigration Legal Services of Long Island
A nonprofit organization that provides immigration assistance and removal defense services to detained and non-detained immigrants who live or work in the tri-state area.

Community Legal Advocates of NY
Provides free or low-cost holistic civil legal and advocacy services to residents of Long Island and New York City.

Catholic Charities
Provides services such as Affordable Housing, Food & Nutrition, and Immigration & Refugee to people in need – no matter their religion or nationality.

HIAS
Provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

Immigration Law Help
A searchable online directory of over 1,000 free or low-cost nonprofit immigration legal services providers in all 50 states.

Immigrant Legal Resource Center
Working with and educating immigrants, community organizations, and the legal sector to help build a democratic society that values diversity and the rights of all people.

The Legal Aid Society
This organization provides urgent legal services to reunify families and assist low-income immigrants in obtaining lawful status, applying for citizenship, and defending against deportation.

LawHelpNY
An online tool for helping New Yorkers locate free or low cost legal services throughout New York State.

JUSTIA Lawyers
Nassau County Immigration Legal Aid & Pro Bono Services.

Send your thoughts, questions and concerns about current and emerging DACA and immigration concerns to the task force using the form.