Immigration is one of the most urgent topics in the U.S., shaping national headlines and erupting debates and protests on campuses, in other communities, and even in Congress.

This debate has impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in the country, making it a personal matter. For many students, staff, and faculty, immigration status directly impacts their safety, financial security, and future. 

On Sept. 10, Vice President for Student Development, Miki Cammarata, released a statement informing students of immigration-related concerns on campus. 

Cammarata reassured students that the University wants “everyone to feel seen, heard, valued, and supported” with the mission to “educate the future leaders of this state, country, and world” and will “continue to do so with passion, integrity, and honesty,” she said. 

However, the statement goes on to list key points such as the fact that “Federal immigration authorities, inclusive of ICE, are not prevented from being on campus,” they are prevented from “directing the William Paterson University Police Department to serve as agents for them,” said Cammarata.

This distinction is crucial because it specifies the reality of what Universities can or cannot control. While this may bring ease to students in knowing that police officers on campus will not aid ICE or other federal agents, it also illustrates that the University does not fully protect them due to its limitations. 

In fact, Cammarata mentions explicitly that “university Police will serve as the point of contact, respond, and meet with the federal immigration authorities to determine their purpose on campus, verify their credentials, and ensure the necessary paperwork is in order.”

If all verification is in order, university police will have no authority to interfere. Moving forward, if there were to be any federal administrators with a valid judicial warrant, a notification will be sent to the County Prosecutor’s Office. 

At the end of her statement, Cammarata identifies the various resources that William Paterson provides, both on and off campus, to students who are worried or struggling with immigration issues.

The Counseling, Health, and Wellness Center can be reached at 973-720-2257 and is available by phone 24/7. The Social Worker on campus can be reached at 973-720-2578 or via email at [email protected].

Additionally, resources include: William Paterson University’s Website for undocumented students: https://www.wpunj.edu/osdi/undocumented-students and a link to know your immigration rights in New Jersey: KnowYourRights-com_en.pdf. 

For many students, the University’s words are more than a policy clarification – they are a reminder that, even in uncertain times, William Paterson is devoted to ensuring that, while federal authorities still hold power, campus leaders emphasize their role in providing students with a sense of support, information, and safety.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing immigration-related concerns, please reach out to any of the links mentioned above or the faculty on campus.