Campus Resources

Associate Vice President for Student Life Ixchel Rosal serves as the University liaison for DACA and undocumented students and is available to meet with students individually or in groups to provide guidance or referrals on topics such as legal assistance, educational financing, housing, diversity and inclusion, health services and admissions.   

Ixchel also convenes the DACA/Undocumented Students Working Group, a committee of students, faculty and staff from across the University who work to identify and develop initiatives that support DACA and undocumented students. 

 

The Columbia Law School Immigrants’ Rights Clinic provides free, confidential advice and representation to Columbia students and staff at risk of deportation in the United States who have DACA, who are otherwise undocumented (with or without pending immigration applications or cases), or who have immigration status but are at risk of deportation. 

Individual screenings: Those at risk of deportation can schedule a confidential screening to discuss their individual immigration case, conducted by law students in the Columbia Law School Immigrants’ Rights Clinic and Columbia Professor Elora Mukherjee. If you have an urgent matter, like an upcoming hearing or court date, please indicate this. Following initial screenings, students and staff with cases suitable for pro bono representation will be referred to volunteer lawyers for possible representation and advocacy.

 

Travel Monitoring: Those traveling internationally can sign up to be matched with a travel monitor who will notify emergency contacts at the Columbia Law School Immigrants’ Rights Clinic if you encounter any issues re-entering the United States. 

 

Undocumented students at Columbia University can work directly with a lawyer on immigration-related issues at no cost, thanks to arrangements the University has made for pro bono legal representation for DACA and undocumented students. 

 

In addition, small-group information sessions for Columbia students who are undocumented or who are DACA recipients also can be arranged. 

 

Students who are concerned about immigration policies affecting DACA and undocumented students can join a confidential support group for mutual support and stress management strategies. The group provides a safe, unstructured space for students to voice their thoughts and feelings. Dr. Sherina Persaud facilitates; she is a clinical psychologist and specializes in the immigrant experience and new American/first generation identity development, among many other psychological and social concerns.

 

On Mondays from 6:00 to 7:00, Dr. Sherina Persaud also holds a drop-in hour in the Lerner 5 office. Please note that hours and locations are subject to change, so always check the website before heading to an office. Sessions are first-come, first-served.