Following recent executive orders by the Trump administration and reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) presence around New York City — The New School is bracing for impact.

In a university-wide statement sent by President Joel Towers and the Provost addressing the abrupt actions, the University shared that they will uphold the protection of students on campus. 

“As leaders of an institution of higher education, we are deeply concerned by the actions and rhetoric of the new administration. Our university remains unwavering in its commitment to provide an open, safe, and inclusive academic environment to a globally diverse community of students, faculty and staff,” they said.

The university said they would not be allowing law enforcement to enter university buildings to detain students, staff, or faculty members on the basis of citizenship status, or release any records disclosing citizenship status, unless presented with a direct court order or legally enforceable subpoena. 

The university also shared a list of resources students can reach out to if they have any questions or concerns, including the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).

Director of ISSS, Jim Deleppo, stated that the ISSS office has been in preparation since before the inauguration. “We did a couple of sessions. We brought in both political science professors as well as immigration attorneys regarding what could happen,” Deleppo said. 

ISSS serves over 3,500 international students and scholars — 34% of undergraduate students — and provides resources to help students get accustomed to the United States, maintain their status, and apply for visas, while also holding informational events for international students. 

ISSS shared that if students are approached by ICE agents who ask for documentation while in a public setting and off campus, students may be required to provide them with documentation of their full-time status. The ISSS recommends carrying a student ID along with personal identification, such as their passport. They added that students should also have their visa, course registration, and signed forms proving their status (I-20 and I-797A forms) on their phones and/or electronic devices for easy access.

Students should also keep a physical copy of their I-94 record, the certificate of registration of entry into the U.S., on them at all times, according to ISSS.

However, those approached by an ICE agent have the right to remain silent and can refuse to show identification or answer questions. The ISSS shared that, “Interactions with ICE agents can be intimidating,” but advised students to remain calm and linked the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) guide   on the rights of those stopped by ICE have which includes asking for a warrant, not consenting to a search of yourself or belongings, and the right to a government-appointed lawyer.

 “My advice to [international] students is to just make sure that you are maintaining your status, if there’s things that you’re concerned about doing, check in with ISSS. We have a variety of ways to meet with us and we’ll provide you guidance,”  Deleppo said.

ACT-UAW Local 7902, the Union for New School part-time faculty, student, and health service workers, and NYU adjuncts also shared information regarding what rights employees have if met with ICE agents. They also created a webpage for students, staff, and faculty to access updated information about laws affecting immigration and visa holders. 

The Union stated that they are actively monitoring news regarding an executive order signed on January 29th by the Trump administration which targets students on visas who participated in Palestinian solidarity protests.

“As soon as immigration and civil rights organizations have a better understanding of the implications of the EO [executive order] and develop resources addressing it, we will add those to our site. We will not be intimidated. We will keep ourselves, our students, and each other safe,” they said.

In a statement about The New School community, the university emphasized its “commitment to providing an open, safe, and inclusive academic environment, and to the diversity of backgrounds, viewpoints, orientations, experiences, and identities.”

The University shared that if students are looking for other resources, they can reach out to Student Success, Student Support and Advocacy, Student Health Services‌, The Office of Equity and Belonging, Campus Safety, the Dean of Students, and their Academic Deans.