Announcements

Supporting Our International Community

April 28, 2025
Students walking around Columbia's campus.

Dear members of the Columbia community:

It’s been heartening, over the last week, to witness so many wonderful scenes on our campus: students everywhere in Commencement regalia, eager to capture photos in the balmy weather. Others dressed up, hurrying to senior dinner, posing along the way. The lawns consistently full of study sessions, friends hanging out, impromptu games, and the always-festive Night Carnival.

But I also spent much of the last week hearing from students, faculty, and staff, many of whom are experiencing deep unease and anxiety. They are either part of, or concerned about, our international community. Our campus has found a deep degree of unity on this point.

Let me express a few things directly about the current situation and how we are offering support in ways we’ve been told are most valuable. I’m grateful for continued feedback:

  • Visas: You may have seen reports this weekend that the federal government has restored many of the SEVIS records that had been canceled without explanation over the past several weeks. This is welcome news for Columbia’s international community. While we can’t predict future policy changes, please know we continue to be committed to ensuring that students who may be affected by disruptions in their visas will be able to continue their studies.
  • Immigration Webinars: These have been very well attended because of the deep expertise offered. The most recent ISSO webinar with immigration attorney Dan Berger took place today. There will be additional sessions scheduled in May. We encourage you to visit the new immigration website for additional information on Columbia’s programs and services.
  • Port of Entry Challenges: We’ve heard repeatedly that a hotline would be useful, and we want to offer the following: International students, faculty, or researchers on a Columbia-sponsored visa who encounter issues at a U.S. Port of Entry should ask the Customs and Border Protection office to contact Columbia University Office of Public Safety at 212-854-5555, which will immediately alert the ISSO Director on call. Comprehensive information on what to expect at U.S. Ports of Entry can be found here for students and here for scholars.
  • International Student Hardship Fund: International students who are facing unanticipated costs due to travel or visa issues, or the inability to travel home, are encouraged to request support through the International Student Hardship Fund. For more information on eligibility and the process to apply for support, please visit the Fund’s website.
  • ISSO Expansion: ISSO is currently adding staff to expand programming and support. In the coming weeks, we will announce additional professional and leadership development workshops, volunteering and networking events, social outings, and welcome programs for admitted students. You can stay up-to-date on these programs by following ISSO on Instagram (@columbiaisso) or visiting the ISSO website.
  • Undergraduate Summer Housing: International undergraduate students in Columbia College and Columbia Engineering are encouraged to apply for summer housing on campus, if they have determined it’s a risk to go home for the summer. Additional housing stock has been made available. Priority will be given to students who are currently living in campus housing and have a permanent address in a country that has been identified as “restricted.” For more information, contact the Study & Family Support team at [email protected]. Continuing GS international students in Columbia Residential housing will continue to have access to summer housing under the terms of their existing housing contracts. GS international students who don’t currently live in Columbia Residential housing can apply for summer housing if they need support through the summer. For more information, contact GS housing at [email protected].
  • Mental and Emotional Well-Being: It’s clear that for many students, the stress of these issues can have broader impacts on mental health. Columbia offers a wide array of support services; these services are confidential and available to all. For our Morningside/Manhattanville students in need of urgent mental health support, call 212-854-2878 (available 24/7) or access in-person drop-in. For CUIMC students in need of urgent mental health support, call 212-305-3400, after-hours press option 7, or access support via chat and phone through TELUS Health Student Support (available 24/7, within the U.S. and around the world). The full range of resources can be found here.
  • Commencement: Graduating international students can pick up a Class of 2025 ISSO pin to wear to your Class Day ceremonies and this year’s Commencement ceremony at ISSO offices (Morningside or CUIMC) during business hours. In addition, the University is hosting two celebrations for graduating international students: a Hudson River cruise on Friday, May 2nd, and an afternoon of refreshments and hors d’oeuvres on Saturday, May 10th at Ellington in the Park.

I know there isn’t a program or meeting that will fully restore the sense of trust and security that has been shaken in recent weeks and will likely be tested again in the future. I also want to say that we continue to be deeply concerned about Mahmoud Khalil and Mohsen Mahdawi, members of our community who have been detained, and other current and former students who have been directly affected by current government actions.

International students and scholars are vital to Columbia’s education and research missions, and to our identity. You have come from all over the world to study, teach, and discover here; the climate of fear and anxiety that’s been created is heartbreaking. Non-citizen students, faculty, and staff have told me they are avoiding international travel and activities on campus. They are resigning from roles as student leaders and are afraid to attend campus events or even gather in groups. Freedom of expression, for every student, is integral to our academic mission. Every individual in this country, citizen and non-citizen alike, deserves the due process rights afforded them by law.

This chill not only weakens our community—it undercuts our national interests. Our universities attract the most talented students and scholars from around the world—more than a million came last year. Much analysis has already been done on the impact of that loss on our economy and society.

For Columbia, international is simply essential. I am inspired by the many ways I’ve seen people come together to assist our international students and their families. I am also grateful to our many colleagues across the campuses who have spoken out and acted to ensure that our international community is seen, heard, and respected. I will continue to do the same.

Sincerely,

Claire Shipman
Acting President, Columbia University in the City of New York