Supporting All Members of the Baruch College Community

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

President Trump’s Executive Orders banning immigration from seven Islamic countries on Friday is an affront to the basic values that the vast majority of Americans hold dear. We are, after all, a nation of immigrants�and this city, perhaps more than any other, has thrivedd because of its constantly changing and growing immigrant populations. Moreover, the mission of The City University of New York, and especially its early precursor, the Free Academy, which stood on the site of what is now Baruch College’s Field Building at 17 Lexington Avenue, is in large part to serve the academic needs of this striving immigrant population. So we are determined that Baruch College will continue to be a safe and nurturing place for ALL of our students, faculty, and staff to study and work.

I am able to report that a search of CUNY’s records by the office of Executive Vice Chancellor and University Provost Vita C. Rabinowitz has revealed that there are 120 students from the seven countries covered in the Executive Order currently studying at the University, and we are unaware of any currently enrolled Baruch students who are stranded and unable to re-enter the United States.

Baruch stands firmly with the position reiterated yesterday by Chancellor Milliken that sought to reassure and support our community during this challenging time. While the Federal courts have issued a nationwide, temporary injunction to block the deportation of all people who are currently stranded at U.S. airports, there are also various kinds of support that the College can offer at the local level. If you have concerns or specific questions, or would like free, confidential support, there are several resources available on campus or through CUNY. I want, in particular, to urge those who may have concerns about their immigration status to make use of the free services available to you, including:

·        CUNY Citizenship Now (CN!) is a strong resource for questions surrounding immigration status or services. Affected students, faculty and staff abroad can write directly to citizenshipnowinfo@cuny.edu. CN! will follow up with a phone call if necessary. For affected students, faculty, and staff here in the U.S., regardless of immigration status, CN! advises not to travel abroad if at all possible until there is more clarity on these evolving regulations.

·        The Baruch College Counseling Center offers students individual and group counseling. It is located at 137 East 25th Street, 9th Floor, Room 914, or call 646-312-2155 to make an appointment.

·        The Office of the Dean of Students is available to answer any question or listen to concerns of all students. Student Life has created a safe space for Wednesday, February 1, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and Thursday, February 2, from 9:30 am to 11:30 am in the Bearcat Den (Newman Vertical Campus, 2nd Floor). Students, faculty, and staff can assemble to discuss the issue and get legal advice. An immigration expert, Yogi Patel, Esq., of Lloyd Patel LLP, will be on hand to answer student questions surrounding immigration issues free of charge.
We advise that all members of the Baruch community who could be subject to these travel restrictions be extremely cautious and careful in deciding to make plans to travel outside the U.S. at this time. We recommend that you seek legal advice before doing so. Finally, let me reiterate that Baruch College remains committed to maintaining an open, safe, and healthy campus environment for all.

Sincerely,

Mitchel B. Wallerstein
President, Baruch College