The Trump administration's increased scrutiny of Columbia University, particularly its response to pro-Palestinian protests and allegations of antisemitism, is creating significant anxiety among international students, especially those from India. Recent actions, including questioning the university's accreditation and threatening the loss of federal funding, have raised concerns about visa prospects, financial aid eligibility, and the future recognition of degrees.
Indian students constitute the second-largest international student population at Columbia, with 1,241 enrolled in the 2024-25 academic year. The US Department of Education has formally notified Columbia's accrediting body, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, that the university may have violated federal anti-discrimination laws by allegedly failing to protect Jewish students on campus. This move, following Trump's earlier restrictions on Harvard University, signals an escalation in the administration's oversight of elite universities.
The potential loss of accreditation could have severe consequences for Indian students. Securing visas for studying at Columbia may become impossible, and current students could become ineligible for scholarships and grants. Graduates may face difficulties in finding jobs as their degrees could lose recognition. Experts advise students not to panic, emphasizing that universities are offering support and legal challenges are anticipated. The situation remains fluid, requiring close monitoring by both students and institutions.
Adding to the uncertainty, the Trump administration has been cracking down on students who have participated in pro-Palestinian activities. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has cited a provision in the Immigration and Nationality Act that allows for the revocation of visas for foreign national students whose activities have "potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences" for the U.S. This law has been used to detain and attempt to deport students involved in pro-Palestinian protests, raising concerns about the First Amendment rights of visa and green card holders.
In one instance, Georgetown University researcher Badar Khan Suri, an Indian national, was detained based on alleged connections to a Hamas official and accusations of spreading Hamas propaganda. Similarly, Yunseo Chung, a Columbia University student and legal permanent resident, faces deportation for her involvement in pro-Palestinian protests.
These actions have created a climate of fear and uncertainty on campus. Students report that visa revocations are occurring without warning, leaving individuals with illegal status overnight. International students are forming unions and organizing protests, both virtual and in-person, to voice their concerns and seek support from university administrations.
Columbia University has faced pressure from the Trump administration to implement policy changes, including banning masks, overhauling disciplinary procedures, and expanding police powers on campus. The administration has also demanded that the university adopt a formal definition of antisemitism and address anti-Zionist discrimination.
The university has implemented some changes, such as clarifying that protests in academic buildings are generally not acceptable and stating that face masks are allowed for religious or medical reasons but must be removed if requested by a university official for identification. However, these measures have been met with criticism from scholars and legal experts who view them as an assault on freedom of expression and academic independence.
The situation remains highly volatile, and Indian students at Columbia University are understandably anxious about their academic futures and legal status in the United States. The coming months will be crucial in determining the long-term impact of the Trump administration's policies on international students and the broader academic community.
