Immigrant FAQs for Students and Employees

Is CNM required to release student or employee information to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials or other government officials? 

CNM will NOT provide protected student information to ICE/other agencies in accordance with the Family and Education Rights and Privileges Act of 1974 (FERPA). According to FERPA, schools are generally required to withhold information that could identify students to third parties, including federal immigration officials. 

Undocumented immigrants have the same protections to their information as other learners. School administrators and staff are not allowed to share the immigration status of any learner, staff or faculty member. 

What happens if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) show up at CNM looking for information about undocumented immigrants? 

If a student is approached for information about immigration status and a warrant or subpoena is presented, immediately contact CNM Security at (505) 224-3002. CNM Security will check paperwork to determine whether the action is lawful.  

If a CNM employee, contractor or campus guest is approached for information about immigration status, immediately contact CNM Security at (505) 224-3002. 

If an undocumented person wants to attend school at CNM, does the person have to share any information about immigration status? 

Per New Mexico law, higher education institutions cannot deny admission based on immigration status. Immigration status, no matter what it is, does not prevent somebody from becoming a CNM learner. Applications submitted without a valid Social Security Number may require additional processing time, however, and may affect tuition rates and certain types of financial aid. Here’s more information.  

Does CNM welcome and support undocumented immigrants pursuing an education or career at CNM? 

Yes, all learners are welcome at CNM. Anybody who wants to improve their life through a CNM education or training will receive our support and services, including undocumented learners.    

Will CNM continue to provide updates when there’s new information that may impact immigrant/undocumented students or employees? 

Yes, CNM will regularly communicate updates through email and on this web page when there are new developments to keep the CNM community informed.  

Where can employees go to get information about what CNM is doing to support students? 

CNM employees will be updated, along with learners, as resources and additional information become available. Please watch News Link every Thursday, as well as special announcements directly from the President or MCO through CNM email. 

Where can learners/families go to get support and information about immigration concerns? 

As a STUDENT, what should I do if I’m concerned about all the information about deportation and crack-downs? 

CNM will be updating students as the College obtains more information regarding potential activity in the state and city. Please watch your email for updated information. If you wish to reach out for confidential emotional support, please visit the following website where you can receive free or low-cost counseling:  

https://www.cnm.edu/depts/dean-of-students/wellness-cnm/bettermynd 

As an EMPLOYEE, what should I do if I’m concerned about all the information about deportation and crack-downs? 

Employees who would like to seek confidential emotional support to help with anxiety and other concerns can contact CNM’s Employee Assistance Program (provided by ComPsych, 844-236-4493). 

CNM will be updating employees as the College obtains more information regarding potential activity in the state and city. Please watch your email for updated information. 

Does New Mexico have a state-wide approach to deal with actions against undocumented immigrants in school settings? 

The New Mexico Department of Justice has provided guidance to higher education institutions in the state. Although federal law does not protect undocumented immigrants from discrimination in admission to postsecondary education, New Mexico law expressly provides that “[a] postsecondary educational institution shall not deny admission to a student on account of the student’s immigration status.”