How Columbia University Is Helping International Students Affected by Trump Visa Restrictions in US

Trump’s 2025 Visa Crackdown: Real Hit on International Students

The Trump administration’s second-term immigration policies in 2025 have put on increased restrictions and scrutiny, particularly for international students and H1B workers. With decreasing study visa approvals for foreign students, social media monitoring, and consistent threats of deportation, Indian students in the US are uncertain about their status in the country. Let us now check the key concern for international students in USA because of Trump’s restrictive policies in 2025:

• Rapid revocation of visas from international students in US if they are linked to political speech or protests.

• More frequent ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) checks near campuses.

• Regular checks at the workplace

• No reason for deportation

• Delays or denials in study visa renewals are even possible for international students with good academic standing.

• Intense social media monitoring of international students

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Columbia’s $500,000 Lifeline: University’s Step to Protect International Students

Columbia University is one of the prestigious Ivy League universities in US, with over 30% of its student population being international students. Columbia has taken a major step to protect the global student community and their talent by offering grants ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 per student, according to their academic standing. It totals up to around $500,000. The grants are offered through a newly launched International Student Hardship Fund by Columbia in April. These funds are meant to support students facing financial instability or immigration-related legal stress. A Columbia University spokesperson stated in an official release, “We will not allow bureaucracy or fear to interrupt our students’ education”

Who is eligible for a grant at Columbia?

• Any currently enrolled international student in good academic standing.

• Students impacted by visa issues, financial hardship, or facing legal costs due to new federal actions.

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Columbia Commitment Beyond Funding: I‑20 Forms in 24 Hours

Along with the establishment of the International Student Hardship Fund, Columbia has also taken another step to expedite the issuance of an I‑20 form (required for visa processing). Generally, the processing of the I-20 form takes approximately 1–2 weeks.

But Columbia’s International Students and Scholars Office has shifted gears to deliver I‑20s within 24 hours in urgent cases. This step is taken to address the challenges faced by foreign students who are at risk of losing job offers, internships, or legal status simply because their paperwork couldn’t keep up with changing policies.

Visa Uncertainties Under Trump 2.0 Make International Students Live in Fear

International students are increasingly afraid to speak freely on campus. They are feeling anxious and stressed to raise their voice and share their opinions, especially about politically charged topics. Some fear that participating in protests or even online activism could flag them for visa scrutiny. This situation is real that as proven through many cases.

According to Columbia’s legal office, multiple students this year alone have faced visa-related delays after engaging in peaceful activism.

“Students are self-censoring. That’s dangerous for democracy and diversity,” one Columbia administrator warned.

Columbia’s Safety Net for International Students: Will Other Universities Follow?

As Trump’s immigration overhaul deepens, all eyes are now on other top-tier schools in USA, including MIT, Stanford, and Harvard. Will they roll out similar emergency responses to protect their international students? Because let’s be real: $500,000 is more than a fund, it’s a message. If Columbia can do this, why not everyone else? So, it will depend on university to university to take measures to protect the global student community.