I am an undocumented student will I be able to attend BMCC?
Yes! Your immigration status does not exclude you in the admissions process and attending BMCC.
I am an undocumented student, will I be eligible for financial aid?
Please consult our office, the answer to this question is contingent on the information you can provide about your current immigration status.
I am asked to provide a social security number to claim my email but I don’t have one what do I do?
Students without social security numbers are assigned a number during the admissions process. Students need to contact the BMCC User Support Service Desk. It is recommended that students try calling first during operating hours and if no one is available, then you must submit a ticket online.
How do I do my required internship is I cannot provide a social security number?
These questions should be raised with the department chair for the course. Some internships do require work authorization required by the New York State Education Department which oversee certifications and licensures.
Is there a center for undocumented/immigrant students?
There isn’t a center for immigrant students at BMCC. An immigration center usually implies grant funding and staffing to carry out the vision and mission of the center. The support students receive is though the Student Success team which identifies and serves various vulnerable groups on campus through engagement and programming.
Is there an on-campus support system for undocumented students?
Yes. Students will find support in various outlets on campus, including and not limited to clubs, peer mentoring, student leadership and campus resources
Are there any majors that would have significant barriers to attaining a career?
Immigration status will not stop a student from completing most degrees. Students will face significant barriers for jobs that require certification and licensure. It is recommended for students to review the New York State Education Department’s Office of the Professions website for information regarding credentialing.
Can I work at BMCC?
Yes and No. If the position is a college assistant position you need to provide work authorization, a tax id number is not sufficient. If the position on campus is funded by Federal Work-study then only students who have federal work-study allocations in financial aid packages can work these positions.
Can I apply for FAFSA?
The FAFSA is an application for federal financial aid (Pell grant, federal student loans and federal work study). If you are an US citizen or “green card holder” you are eligible to apply for this aid. There are also categories of students who are eligible for federal aid who are on the eligible non-citizen list (click here to review) Many students with DACA, asylum seeking or TPS have been able to complete this application with tax information and assigned temporary social security numbers but the aid will not be processed because the social security number will be rejected. When a student who is not eligible applies for federal aid it might block them from receiving state aid through the NYS Dream act because their FAFSA is unresolved not rejected.
Is there an office on campus, besides academic advisement, that can help me?
All students should feel free to connect with the various offices on campus. If that office is unable to best serve you, they may refer you to another person or office on campus. For matters beyond the scope of the college, you may be recommended to services off campus.
Can I use the counseling center?
Yes, counseling is free and available to all students. Immigrants students have access to all amenities on campus regardless of their immigration status.
