NECC immigrant students – with or without legal residency – keep on studying with uncertainty about their future immigration status. Staff and faculty are helping in creating awareness about their rights and encouraging them to be fearless but cautious.
“I’m coming to Boston and I’m bringing hell with me,” said Tom Homan, director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at CPAC, the Conservative Political Action Conference, on Feb. 22. Homan, known as the “White House border czar,” criticized Boston and its police commissioner for not complying with the federal deportation policies.
Homan’s declaration along with people’s reactions became viral in social media, counting with over 32.7 millions of related posts just on TikTok. ICE and immigration have been trending topics since the last presidential inauguration. However, social media’s users are exposed to misinformation and fake news that increase anxiety or insecurity to undocumented immigrants.
“It sounds a little scary,” said Edwin Sam Mbaka, a NECC athlete student. Mbaka was born in Paris, France, and his parents are from Cameroon. He is currently studying Communication & Journalism and holds a student visa that allows him to stay legally in the US as long as he continues to study, but this visa does not allow full-time work.
“I’m not personally affected by it because I’m here as a student, but it makes it harder for me if I want to stay after,” Mbaka said. He plans to transfer to get his bachelor’s degree and apply for a resident card.
“I heard, he (President Trump) was trying to do like a ‘green card’ for rich people. Basically, they just have to pay $1,000,000, get the ‘green card’ and open a business but if you don’t have that, how will you get the ‘green card’?” said Mbaka.
The Permanent Resident Card is a card that allows a person to live and work in the United States permanently and it has a greenish color, that is why is known as the “green card.” Applying for its eligibility can take years depending on legal status and several requirements such as background security and demonstrated financial support.
What about undocumented students?
NECC, same as any other state institution in Massachusetts, accepts enrollment of every person regardless of their legal status.
Mbaka said one of his friends is undocumented and while he is studying does not fear deportation but fears his paperwork process will slow down due to the current anti-immigrant laws.
According to Maria Hernandez, Director of International Student Support & Special Populations in NECC, “many people are becoming more fearful as these issues receive increased media attention, without realizing that such events have been happening for a long time, just without as much public coverage. While I haven’t personally heard students voice these concerns, I did attend a community meeting in Lawrence where an executive director of a local nonprofit shared that some young parents in their program are afraid to continue receiving assistance, such as baby formula, out of fear that their personal information might be shared with federal authorities.”
In the same direction, NECC Academic Coach, Denise Trinidad, said “Some students have expressed concerns about the way immigration is portrayed in the news and on social media. The messages they hear create uncertainty, making them feel anxious about possible changes in immigration policies and how those changes might affect them or their families. Some students have talked about how the media sometimes portrays immigration using negative stereotypes or harsh language, which can make them feel targeted or misunderstood.”
Hernandez said she has not encountered students who were hesitant to attend classes or do their daily routine due to fear of ICE. Instead, she has spoken to students who are primarily focused on completing their academic programs. “They are more concerned with finding financial resources and accessing campus support services that can help them succeed in school,” Hernandez highlighted.
Immigrant students have not shared with coach Trinidad directly about their concerns, but she has students that besides balancing work and studies, they are applying for the citizenship test, and the current anti-immigration narrative affects them. “The current media coverage creates a sense of urgency for them to pass the exam. They’re doing this not just to create a brighter future for themselves but also for their families. This is what some of our students carry with them when they attend class or are seeking academic support. Even if they don’t explicitly express concerns about attending class or daily life, we can infer their worries from what they do share,” said Trinidad.
Follow the coach advice: “You are not alone!”
“I encourage students to take care of their mental and emotional health through self-care strategies like mindfulness, exercise, or talking to trusted friends, and to verify news through reliable sources rather than relying on social media,” explained Trinidad. “Beyond immediate concerns, I encourage students to focus on their long-term goals, and I remind them of their resilience and the challenges they have already overcome; I want them to feel empowered to navigate uncertainty with more confidence. Above all, I want students to know that they are not alone. Many already balance many challenges—housing and food insecurity, mental health struggles, financial pressures—that weigh heavily on their academic journey. As their academic coach, I want them to feel that they can express their worries in a judgment-free space. At academic coaching, we create a space where students feel seen, understood, and equipped with the tools to move forward. My goal is to help students stay focused on their goals and build a future they can be proud of.”
Also, students are invited to the Global Cafés which are gatherings to provide a safe space to ask questions, share concerns, and access valuable resources. These events are organized by Hernandez’s department. The next Global Café will take place on March 13 from 12 to 1 p.m., featuring a guest speaker discussing immigrant trauma. The event will be held in person in Lawrence and livestreamed to Room B218 in Haverhill. Light refreshments will be provided.
From my end, I would encourage my peers facing any distress due to immigration status, to look for help to their professors, staff, academic coaches such as coach Trinidad at dtrinidad@necc.mass.edu. Contact Maria Hernandez at mhernandez@necc.mass.edu and visit her office in Lawrence and Haverhill. Every conversation is confidential, and you can remain anonymous if you prefer. NECC is here to help you thrive in your academic goals regardless of your immigration status. If your case is in process, learn about your immigration rights, memorize the phone number of your lawyer or a reliable person, and be good. Look for the “Red Card” around campus and keep it handy.
For immigration frequently asked questions and other helpful resources, please visit: necc.edu/ice
