Welcome to the Office of the President

Dear Colleagues, 

You may be aware of recent news coverage regarding the revocation of student visas at institutions across New York, including some CUNY campuses. This appears to be part of a broader, escalating trend of visa terminations nationwide. These are uncertain times for many, and understandably, this has created feelings of concern and worry among our international students and the broader campus community. 

We will always be a community that welcomes, supports, and values the contributions of our international students. As many of you know, I’ve had the pleasure of hosting several groups of international students for a meal at my home this semester. These moments of connection matter deeply—they offer a space to make new friends, feel seen, and be reminded that they are a valued part of our community. In the days and weeks ahead, we will continue to ensure that they have access to the guidance, resources, and sense of belonging they need to succeed and graduate. 

During this time, I ask our faculty and staff to be especially aware of this issue. If you learn of a student who has questions about their immigration status or visa status, please encourage them to contact our International Student Center (ISC)) without delay. ISC Advisors are available to review individual cases, provide immigration guidance, and connect students to academic and wellness support services. 

CUNY has informed all international students with an F1 visa that they will be notified if their visa status changes. Additionally, CUNY has created a webpage with timely immigration resources and information and another with immigration law updates.

It’s important to note that visa status changes can be triggered by relatively minor legal infractions. In other instances, it can be impacted by falling out of compliance with enrollment requirements. We have witnessed this over the years at Queensborough and are currently helping students navigate this situation this semester. With this in mind, we are also proactively reminding all international students of the following: 

• Maintain full-time enrollment, defined as at least 12 credits per semester, with a minimum of nine credits taken in person. 

• Speak with an ISC Advisor before dropping a course or if at risk of receiving a WU, W, or WA grade. These grades indicate course non-completion and the associated credits will not count toward full-time enrollment—potentially violating visa terms. 

• Consult the ISC before traveling internationally, especially during spring or summer break, to ensure compliance with all current travel regulations and documentation requirements. 

• Be especially mindful of legal compliance, including minor infractions such as traffic violations, which may impact visa status. 

Finally, our International Student Center continues to provide our international students with emotional support and legal resources as they navigate these uncertain times.  

I will continue to share updates as they become available and thank each of you for your continued care and commitment to our students, especially as we navigate these times.  

With thanks and appreciation, 

Dr. Christine Mangino
President, Queensborough Community College