University and Federal Government Policy Changes: A Guide for GSAS Students

News and Updates

• April 22, What Is SEVIS, and How Is the Government Using It to Go After International Students? The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System has served as a repository for international student data for over 20 years. Now it’s under attack.
   
• On April 7, the Provost reported that the federal government began terminating visa eligibility for international students across the country for alleged incidents including minor traffic violations. The federal government has revoked the visas and terminated the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) records of several dozen current international students at Columbia, including some from GSAS. ISSO is notifying students of any change in their SEVIS status and connecting them with resources, including external legal assistance. GSAS is in conversation with the Provost about next steps.

University Resources

• ISSO offers advising appointments in person, via Zoom, or phone (212-854-3587). The ISSO e-mail ([email protected]) is continuously monitored. Please immediately notify ISSO of any pressing concerns and an advisor will reach out to set up a same-day appointment.
   
• Information on the Alien Registration requirement, including updated forms, are available on the ISSO website. 
   

• The University International Student Hardship Fund provides one-time grants to students from select countries ranging from $1,500 to $5,000. 

• International students who are facing unanticipated costs due to travel complications or the cancellation of travel, may request summer funding from the University. 

• The Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration: Webinars and Resources for International Students and Scholars

• The GSAS Student Emergency Fund reimburses one-time expenses up to $1,000 to mitigate short-term financial hardship that results from sudden, extreme, and unanticipated circumstances, and which may preclude the student from completing their studies. 

• The Chronicle of Higher Education is tracking the cancellation of visas or legal status for international students and recent graduates through media reports and campus announcements. You can view their regularly updated list on their website.

International Travel

• On March 10, ISSO released this guidance about non-essential travel in anticipation of a total ban on travel to and from a list of 12 selected countries, just as it occurred in 2017. That proclamation has not yet been issued by the government. We have not been advised that there are implications for citizens of other nations, and further, no travel ban has materialized thus far. 

• As always, it is important for all international students to consider their personal circumstances and risk tolerance when planning international travel. Consult with an immigration lawyer before traveling if possible, and follow ISSO’s travel tips at all times.

• All Columbia-related international travel must be registered with the Global Travel office. 
   
• NPR: What green-card and visa holders should know before traveling abroad
   
• Immigrant Help NY: Digital Hygiene Tips for International Travel
   
• ACLU: Learn about your rights when encountering law enforcement at the airport

Legal Resources

• The Columbia Law School Immigrants’ Rights Clinic provides free, confidential advice and representation to Columbia students and staff at risk of deportation in the United States who have DACA, who are otherwise undocumented (with or without pending immigration applications or cases), or who have immigration status but are at risk of deportation.
   
• Students at Columbia University can work directly with a lawyer on immigration-related issues at no cost, thanks to arrangements the University has made for pro-bono legal consultation. If you would like more information about this service, please reach out to [email protected].
   
• National Immigration Legal Services Directory
   

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On Friday, March 21, 2025, Columbia shared updates regarding the addition of Special Patrol Officers and details on rules related to masking on campus and identification requirements.

Special Patrol Officers

Public Safety has added Special Patrol Officers with enhanced training and legal authority to respond to campus disruptions, while reducing our reliance on the NYPD.  

• All Special Patrol Officers undergo a 162-hour, New York State-approved training program. Upon successful completion, officers are credentialed under New York State law to work on Columbia's campus.
• This comprehensive training emphasizes ethics, professionalism, anti-bias, and conflict de-escalation.
• Special Patrol Officers will be more familiar with the University community and can provide responses that are aligned with the University policies and the Rules of University Conduct (Rules).
• Special Patrol Officers have the authority to issue citations and make arrests when necessary, based on violations of applicable law. Special Patrol Officers will not be armed and will be distinguishable from the regular Public Safety team by a patch and badge.
• The University will continue to rely on its longstanding relationship with the NYPD to provide additional security assistance when circumstances require.

Masking and Identification Requirements

An overview of University masking and identification requirements:

• Anyone on campus, whether masked or unmasked, must present a valid identification (ID) when asked by a Public Safety Officer.
• Anyone at a protest, whether masked or unmasked, must present a valid ID when asked by a University Delegate or Public Safety Officer in relation to a University Rules violation or potential Rules violation.
• No one is permitted to wear a mask for the purpose of concealing one’s identity while violating a University policy or rule or state, municipal, or local law.
• Anyone wearing a mask due to a medical issue or for religious observance purposes is permitted to do so.

The identification process works like this: 

1. Who is required to show ID? Everyone on campus. When requested by a Public Safety Officer or other University official (which includes Delegates), University affiliates must present their CUID. Those not affiliated with the University must present their valid government-issued ID.
    
2. What if the individual is wearing a mask? To facilitate identification, Public Safety officers and other University officials may ask individuals to briefly pull down their masks (upon request, including for those wearing masks due to a medical issue or religious observance, this can be done in a less public setting).
    
3. What happens if an individual refuses to show ID? Individuals who refuse either to provide ID or facilitate identification will be warned that noncompliance may result in removal from campus and, for affiliates, potential further sanctions as indicated by University Rules and policies. Individuals not affiliated with the University may be directed to leave campus and could be subject to arrest for trespassing if they refuse, if they are not approved guests, and/or their presence on campus is inconsistent with their approved reason for visiting campus, including if they are protesting or demonstrating.
    
4. What happens if an individual continues to refuse to show ID? Continued refusal will result in a second warning, a trespass notice, and escort from campus. Those who resist removal may be removed by an authorized individual and subject to arrest for trespassing.

The University’s Inclusive Public Safety Advisory Committee (IPSAC) will continue to meet with Public Safety to provide faculty, staff, and student feedback on enhancements to this program. The IPSAC portal for community input can be found on their website.

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Recently, a number of students, faculty, and employees have been subject to targeting/doxxing. The University takes these incidents seriously and they are being investigated. If you have been doxxed see this resource to assist after online targeting/doxxing.

To learn more about the University’s policy regarding anti-doxxing and online harassment visit University Life.

Additional resources to protect your online presence:

• PEN America: Digital Safety & Online Abuse Defense Resources
   
• PEN America Managing Your Online Footprint and Protecting from Doxxing
   
• ACLU: Steps to Defend Against Online Doxxing and Harassment
   
• NYCLU: Doxxing: How to Stay Safe and Protect Yourself

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Legal Help for the Public: A comprehensive website with links to resources, including information on help on pro bono cases and printable brochures on how to handle different types of legal matters, provided by the Association of the Bar of the City of New York.

Legal Aid Society: Non-profit legal aid provider in New York City, provides legal assistance and information.

Legal Referral Service, sponsored by the Association of the Bar of the City of New York and the New York County Lawyers' Association, recommends attorneys with general experience or with expertise in particular areas.

Many counties in New York provide lawyer referral services for individuals looking for an attorney. The New York State Bar Association can guide you in you to these services.

Students with DACA or undocumented status can find up-to-date resources and guidance on the University Life website.

The GSAS Student Emergency Fund reimburses one-time expenses up to $1,000 to mitigate short-term financial hardship that results from sudden, extreme, and unanticipated circumstances, and which may preclude the student from completing their studies. 

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Columbia Counseling and Psychological Services provides in-person and telehealth support to all students on the Columbia Health Insurance plan and/or who have paid the student health fee.

• Make an individual counseling appointment via the Patient Portal or by calling 212-854-2878.
• Urgent mental health support: call 212-854-2878 (available 24/7) or access in-person drop-in. Mondays - Thursdays from 5:30 - 8:00 pm (check-in closes at 7:30 pm) in Lerner 502
• For urgent medical concerns, call 212-854-7426, option 4. 

All full-time students, international students, and students on the Columbia Student Health Insurance Plan have healthcare coverage while traveling across the U.S. and around the world.

Columbia Health Insurance Office: John Jay Hall, 3rd Floor, [email protected], 212-854-3286 

Students not on the Columbia Health Insurance plan can use Alma as a resource for finding mental health care.

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The Safety Escort Program is available to any students who have concerns about traveling around campus. If you are unable to come to campus, please contact your instructors directly to discuss possible accommodations.

For updates on current Morningside Campus access levels, check Public Safety.

Don't allow building access blindly. Verify a visitor’s identity over the intercom before letting them in. Keep an eye out for suspicious activity like loitering and "piggybacking." People may wait outside the building for someone to leave or enter, allowing them access to an open door. If you believe someone has entered the building on false pretenses, call Public Safety immediately. 

When in doubt, call Public Safety at 212-854-2797.

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Columbia has a long history of supporting freedom of speech, the exchange of ideas, and peaceful student protest. Please be aware that there are parameters and a code of conduct in place regarding student protest on campus.

• For the latest update on the rules regarding protests please refer to the Rules Administrator Update.
   
• University Senate Conduct Guidelines for Student Protest
   

Masking and Identification Requirements:

• Anyone on campus, whether masked or unmasked, must present a valid identification (ID) when asked by a Public Safety Officer.
• Anyone at a protest, whether masked or unmasked, must present a valid ID when asked by a University Delegate or Public Safety Officer in relation to a University Rules violation or potential Rules violation.
• No one is permitted to wear a mask for the purpose of concealing one’s identity while violating a University policy or rule or state, municipal, or local law.
• Anyone wearing a mask due to a medical issue or for religious observance purposes is permitted to do so.

The identification process works like this: 

1. Who Is Required to Show ID? Everyone on campus. When requested by a Public Safety Officer or other University official (which includes Delegates), University affiliates must present their CUID. Those not affiliated with the University must present their valid government-issued ID.
    
2. What if the Individual is Wearing a Mask? To facilitate identification, Public Safety officers and other University officials may ask individuals to briefly pull down their masks (upon request, including for those wearing masks due to a medical issue or religious observance, this can be done in a less public setting).
    
3. What Happens if an Individual Refuses to Show ID? Individuals who refuse either to provide ID or facilitate identification will be warned that noncompliance may result in removal from campus and, for affiliates, potential further sanctions as indicated by University Rules and policies. Individuals not affiliated with the University may be directed to leave campus and could be subject to arrest for trespassing if they refuse, if they are not approved guests and/or their presence on campus is inconsistent with their approved reason for visiting campus, including if they are protesting or demonstrating.
    
4. What Happens if an Individual Continues to Refuse to Show ID? Continued refusal will result in a second warning, a trespass notice, and escort from campus. Those who resist removal may be removed by an authorized individual and subject to arrest for trespassing.

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