Getting Support | Columbia | Immigration Resources

Legal Resources

Columbia Law School Immigrants’ Rights Clinic Defense Initiative
- 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.
Pro Bono Legal Representation and Other Assistance
- 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].
The Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration: An alliance of American college and university leaders dedicated to increasing public understanding of how immigration policies and practices impact our students, campuses, and communities.
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: Nonprofit 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 to these services.
For additional information: https://ogc.columbia.edu/content/help-public

NOTE: Any links to non-Columbia University information are provided as a courtesy. These links are provided for reference and general informational purposes only. In no way does Columbia University, or the Office of General Counsel specifically, accept any responsibility for the content of the linked pages, or for any consequences of the use of said pages, nor does the Office of General Counsel vouch for the validity of the information on said pages. In no way should the content of this page, or the linked pages, be construed as legal advice from Columbia University or any agent thereof.

Student Health and Counseling Resources

Please note: All campus health providers are confidential resources.

Morningside/Manhattanville Students

Mental and Emotional Well-Being

Make an individual counseling appointment via the Patient Portal or by calling 212-854-2878.
For urgent mental health support, call 212-854-2878 (available 24/7) or access in-person drop-in.
Schedule a health promotion appointment for information about accessing on and off-campus resources, drop-in for a health education visit to discuss strategies to support your health and well-being, or get started with Wellness Coaching.

Medical Care

Make a primary care appointment via the Patient Portal or by calling 212-854-7426. Telehealth available.
For urgent medical concerns, call 212-854-7426, option 4 to speak with a clinician (available 24/7).

For questions about health insurance benefits, access in-person drop-in hours or email [email protected].

CUIMC students

Mental Health

Schedule a counseling appointment, support session, or a Well-Being Strategy Session using the Student Health Portal or by calling 212-305-3400.
For 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).

Medical Care

Make a primary care appointment on the Student Health Portal or call 212-305-3400, option 1. Telehealth available.
For urgent medical concerns, call 212-305-3400. After-hours, press option 8.

For questions about health insurance benefits, email [email protected].

International Student Hardship Fund

Learn about and apply for support from the International Student Hardship Fund.

Additional Resources for All Students

For support for sexual assault or other forms of gender-based violence, call 212-854-4357 or drop in during business hours (Morningside and CUIMC locations).
For spiritual support, you can connect with a Religious Life adviser.
The Ombuds Office provides confidential support to discuss many concerns and issues.

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. (https://publicsafety.columbia.edu/crimepreventiontips)

Protocol for Potential Visits by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agents https://publicsafety.columbia.edu/content/protocol-potential-visits-campus-us-immigration-and-custom s-enforcement-ice-agents

Additional Resources

What do I do if I encounter challenges at a U.S. Port of Entry?

If you are an international student, faculty, or researcher on a Columbia-sponsored visa and you encounter issues at a U.S. Port of Entry, ask the Customs and Border Protection officer to contact Columbia University Office of Public Safety. Public Safety has been instructed to contact an ISSO Director for assistance. Comprehensive information on what to expect at U.S. Ports of Entry can be found here for students and here for scholars.

Listening, Learning, and Starting the Conversation

Acting President Claire Shipman outlines her plans for navigating the University through this difficult moment to provide continuity while a presidential search process, which will include the community and faculty, gets underway.