Columbia and Barnard Join Harvard in Legal Challenge Against Student Visa Restrictions
Columbia University and Barnard College have officially joined Harvard University in mounting a legal challenge against the Trump administration's restrictions affecting international students. On January 20, both prestigious institutions signed an amicus brief supporting Harvard's ongoing lawsuit in the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals, marking a significant escalation in the academic community's response to federal policies.
Universities Unite to Defend International Student Contributions
The legal brief powerfully articulates the indispensable role international students play in American higher education. According to reporting by the Columbia Spectator, the document states that these students have "cured diseases, invented transformational technologies, and founded companies that have fueled American economic growth." The brief emphasizes that student visa recipients are fundamental to maintaining the United States' position as home to world-class research institutions.
The document presents a compelling argument that canceling visas for even a single university could undermine the entire system of higher education in the country. It stresses that Congress intentionally designed U.S. immigration laws to enable American universities to attract the best global talent, which in turn contributes to cutting-edge research, technological development, and innovations benefiting the nation while enhancing educational experiences for all students on campus.
Broad Academic Support Across Institutions
A total of forty-eight universities have signed the amicus brief, including all eight Ivy League institutions. This represents a remarkable show of solidarity within the academic community. Notably, Columbia and Barnard had previously declined to join a similar brief in June 2025 concerning the cancellation of more than $2.2 billion in federal funding for Harvard. Their participation this time signals heightened concern specifically about student visas and enrollment rights, demonstrating strong nationwide support for international students.
Columbia's Central Role in Federal Actions
During President Trump's second term, Columbia University emerged as a central figure in federal actions targeting universities. In March 2025, the federal government canceled $400 million in funding for Columbia, marking the first time any university faced such a substantial financial cut. The Trump administration subsequently took action against Harvard, revoking its Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) certification on May 22, 2025. This dramatic move prevented Harvard from enrolling international students and required current students to transfer to another institution or risk losing their legal immigration status.
Columbia hosts one of the largest international student populations in the United States, with nearly 39 percent of students coming from abroad during the 2024-25 academic year. In April 2025, four Columbia students had their visas revoked by federal authorities, according to the Columbia Spectator. These incidents highlighted how federal policies directly impact individual students' lives and the universities that depend on international talent for their academic excellence.
Ongoing Legal Challenges and Temporary Relief
Following Harvard's SEVIS revocation, a federal judge temporarily blocked the order, stating that Harvard would "sustain immediate and irreparable injury" if the revocation proceeded. Shortly afterward, the federal government paused scheduling new student visa appointments. In June 2025, President Trump issued a proclamation banning international students studying at Harvard from entering the United States, which was also temporarily blocked by a federal judge the following day.
The legal process continues without a clear timeline for a final decision in Harvard's lawsuit. The amicus brief filed by Columbia, Barnard, and numerous other universities underscores that American higher education depends fundamentally on attracting top global talent. The document warns that limiting visas for even one institution could have severe long-term consequences for research, innovation, and education nationwide.
Why This Legal Battle Matters
International students represent far more than just enrollment numbers—they are researchers, innovators, and valuable contributors to American society. Universities like Columbia and Barnard argue that policies restricting international student admissions would weaken the country's competitiveness in science, technology, and business sectors. The current legal battle brings into sharp focus the critical importance of protecting international student rights and preserving U.S. universities as global centers of learning and research excellence.
The collective action by these academic institutions demonstrates a unified commitment to maintaining the openness and global standing of American higher education against policies they view as detrimental to both students and national interests.
