Updates on Evolving Political Landscape

The current political landscape is marked by rapid change. New federal legislation, executive orders, and policy shifts have created uncertainty for many members of our campus community, and we understand that these developments may raise significant concerns for our students, faculty, staff, and Fordham families.

Fordham University’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment remains steadfast. As a Jesuit institution, we deeply value each community member and recognize the challenges that the current climate can present to your academic pursuits, scholarly research, and professional endeavors.

This webpage is designed to serve as a central, reliable resource for navigating this turbulent period. Our goal is to provide clear and timely updates on how the shifting landscape may affect you, your studies, your work, and the University as a whole. Beyond simply informing, we aim to connect you with the specific resources and support systems to help you with the inevitable challenges that arise.

We ask that departments and units refrain from altering policies, procedures, or regulations without explicit guidance from the Office of Legal Counsel, the Office of the Provost, or their respective vice president.

Guidance outlined below will be updated as new information becomes available.

Jump to a section: Immigration and International Issues | Diversity and Inclusion | Financial Aid | Research

Immigration and International Issues

Fordham University deeply values the contributions of every student, faculty, and staff member, regardless of immigration status. You enrich our community with diverse perspectives, cultures, and scholarly expertise, fostering a global learning environment that is central to our mission. We understand that changes in federal policies and procedures may create unique challenges and uncertainties. This section should provide you with the information and support you need to navigate these complexities and continue to thrive at Fordham.

» Immigration-Related Emergencies

For students, faculty, and staff who encounter an immigration-related emergency such as arrest, challenges navigating a U.S. port of entry, or detention by Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE), or who are in danger of immediate deportation from the U.S., call Fordham Public Safety at 718-817-2222 (Rose Hill) or 212-636-6076 (Lincoln Center). Inform the officer of your immigration emergency, and Public Safety will put you in touch with the University resources appropriate to your situation. If necessary, Fordham will provide you with support, including connecting you with pro-bono legal consultation to assist you in evaluating any given emergency.

Should such an emergency arise, Fordham is committed to providing support. Fordham has engaged the legal services of an external immigration law firm to provide initial, complimentary legal consultations. These consultations are specifically available to current Fordham students, faculty, and staff facing emergency immigration-related issues, including removal proceedings, visa revocation, and detainment upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry. The initial consultation is intended to offer preliminary legal guidance and assessment of critical immigration situations. The consultation covers the first meeting. Should you need ongoing legal representation, you will need a separate agreement directly with the lawyers, or you may engage an immigration law firm of your choosing. Learn more about legal resources.

» Responding to Requests from Law Enforcement Agencies

University procedures are grounded in the Jesuit tradition of being people for others. We hold to the Ignatian principle of care for the whole person and respect the dignity of every individual, including their right to feel safe wherever they may be on campus.

Law enforcement investigations may occasionally require officers to come to one of our campuses (including off-campus residences owned by the University). This section outlines the Fordham University Department of Public Safety procedures in place under those circumstances. These procedures are designed to protect the rights and privacy of our students, faculty, and staff, while accommodating the lawful requests of law enforcement agencies.

If you are on a Fordham campus and approached by a law enforcement officer who requests access to University facilities, inquires about members of the campus community, or requests access to student records, immediately follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Ask the law enforcement officer for their name, identification number, and agency affiliation.
  • Step 2: Inform the officer that you are not obstructing their process but do not have the authority to release information without consulting the University administration. Contact Public Safety at 718-817-2222 (Rose Hill) or 212-636-6076 (Lincoln Center) and request a Duty Supervisor, and they and others will help determine the appropriate next steps.
  • Step 3: Public Safety will obtain whatever judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena the law enforcement officers may present and immediately connect with Fordham’s Office of Legal Counsel to evaluate the documents. Public Safety will coordinate with law enforcement to serve warrants/subpoenas, if necessary.

Unless law enforcement officers are responding to a lawful request, Public Safety will not allow them on campus, nor share any student or employee information with them. Law enforcement officers must provide judicial orders or lawfully issued subpoenas, which Fordham’s Office of Legal Counsel will verify before access to campus property will be granted.

  • Generally, law enforcement can only require you to allow entry to these spaces with a specific type of judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena. If you are presented with such lawfully issued documents, you should follow the step-by-step instructions above.

  • No. Fordham cannot prohibit law enforcement officers from coming on campus to enforce federal law. However, you should alert the Department of Public Safety that a law enforcement officer is on campus.

  • It depends. The answer is yes if the law enforcement officer has a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena. If the officer does not have such documents, the answer is no. If approached, contact the Resident Director on duty and Public Safety.

  • Generally, yes. A residence hall room is considered a limited-access area. Students should follow the above protocol if approached by law enforcement requesting access to a residence hall.

  • No. As a Fordham employee, per federal privacy laws and University Education Records Policy, you must maintain the confidentiality of personal and personally identifiable information, including student records. Law enforcement officers are generally required to produce a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena authorizing the disclosure of such records.

    If you are asked for a student’s personal or personally identifiable information by an individual who has identified themself as a law enforcement officer, regardless of whether they present a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena, inform the officer that you need to speak with a University administrator and immediately contact the Department of Public Safety and request a Duty Supervisor for further guidance. The Department of Public Safety will address the request with Fordham’s Office of Legal Counsel.

» Privacy Laws Prohibit the Release of Student Records

Consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Fordham University prohibits the access, review, and/or disclosure of personally identifiable information from a student’s educational records without the student’s written consistent or other exceptions including a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena or warrant. Any such order or subpoena must be reviewed and determined to be lawfully issued by the Office of Legal Counsel prior to the release of such information.

» Resources for Undocumented Students (DACA)

Since 1841, we have kept faith with the vision of Archbishop John Hughes, who founded Fordham to serve immigrants and their families. View resources for undocumented students (DACA).

  • No. Fordham is committed to protecting the privacy of all students: In alignment with best practices in higher education, Fordham does not proactively track the immigration status of its students. We believe that all students deserve access to education and a safe learning environment regardless of their status. The University’s focus is on ensuring that all students have the support and resources they need to succeed academically.

» International Students, Faculty, Staff (Nonimmigrant Population)

Nonimmigrant students, faculty, and staff who have F-1 or J-1 visas can reach out to the Office of International Services (OIS) for guidance and support regarding their nonimmigrant status. For faculty and staff whose immigration status is based on Fordham sponsorship, please contact the Office of Human Resources with any questions and for support related to sponsorship.

  • It is always advisable for international students, faculty, and staff to carry their passport, visa stamp (if applicable), Form I-20 or DS-2019, and any other relevant immigration documents with them.

  • Before traveling, visa holders should make an appointment with OIS to ensure their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records are active and their Form I-20/DS-2019 is properly endorsed for travel (usually within the past year). All Fordham students, faculty, and staff who are not U.S. citizens should carry their immigration documents with them. Be aware that individuals may face increased scrutiny upon reentry to the U.S.

» Revocation of Student Visas

There are growing news reports of international student visas being revoked by the U.S. Department of State. This is a troubling trend, one which affected Fordham for the first time on Friday, April 4, 2025. As of April 10, four international students have had their visas revoked with no reason provided by the Department of Homeland Security.

Previously, legal status of international students studying in the U.S. was not immediately affected when a visa was revoked: Students could remain in the country as long as they were enrolled in courses, but would need to reapply for a new visa should they leave the country.

However, under the current administration, federal immigration officials have increased the use of “prudential visa revocation.” During this process, a visa can be canceled without immigration violations or criminal convictions. In these circumstances, affected students typically received email notifications via the addresses on file with the Department of State telling them that their visas had been revoked.

If you are an international student, we recommend that you monitor the email address you have on file with the U.S. Department of State. Fordham’s Office of International Services (OIS) is also monitoring SEVIS daily and will alert you if there is a potential revocation of your visa.

In the event that your visa is revoked, Fordham is committed to providing swift support, connecting you with appropriate resources. The University will assess your circumstances and offer assistance tailored to your situation. This support may include guidance from the OIS on navigating the complex implications of visa revocation, as well as connecting you with pro-bono legal consultation to help you understand your rights and explore the available options. Fordham aims to ensure that you are not alone in addressing this challenging situation and will advocate for your well-being within the bounds of the law.

  • Prudential visa revocation is a process through which the U.S. Department of State can cancel a visa without any formal immigration violations or criminal convictions. This is based on the Secretary of State’s discretionary authority if they determine a person’s presence could have potentially adverse foreign policy consequences.

  • While some revocations may be due to criminal records or immigration violations, we have seen reports of visas being revoked for seemingly minor infractions, such as traffic violations, sometimes occurring years ago. In some cases, the reasons for revocation remain unclear to both the students and the University.

  • Immediately contact the Office of International Services, who can confirm your status and provide you guidance and support to navigate next steps.

  • If your SEVIS record is terminated, you are considered out of status. You should immediately contact OIS to understand the implications and discuss potential options, which may include departing the U.S. and seeking a new visa or exploring other legal pathways with the assistance of an immigration attorney.

  • Yes, if the primary visa holder’s F-1 or J-1 visa is revoked, the dependent spouse’s and children’s (F-2 or J-2) visas may also be revoked.

  • Fordham University has not requested or initiated the revocation of any student visas. The authority to issue and revoke visas rests solely with the U.S. Department of State.

    Universities like Fordham are required to maintain and update student information in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), a federal database. These updates reflect a student’s enrollment status and compliance with visa regulations. However, universities do not have the authority to request or cause a visa to be revoked. Visa revocations can only be made by the U.S. government.

  • It’s important to understand that the U.S. government has broad authority to revoke visas. While the right to peaceful protest is a fundamental freedom in the United States, immigration officials may scrutinize any activity that they perceive as a potential threat to national security or public safety. International students, faculty, and staff should consult with an immigration attorney for advice on their specific circumstances.

» Avoid Scams

Be aware of scams that target international students with fake calls, emails, and letters that appear to be from a federal agency, threatening deportation unless an immediate payment is made for an immigration violation. International students residing in the U.S. who receive any communication (including email and/or phone calls) from the federal government related to your visa or status should immediately contact the Office of International Services for guidance and support.

» University-Sponsored Travel

All faculty and staff participating in Fordham-sponsored travel must enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, and in Fordham’s Travel Registry found in the “Home tab” in the my.fordham.edu portal. Review Fordham’s travel and expense policy for more details.

Diversity and Inclusion

As a Catholic university in the Jesuit tradition, Fordham aims to form individuals who are intellectually capable and committed to building a more just world. As people for others, our mission is not only rooted in the Gospel but also in the nearly 500-year history of the Jesuits and in the long tradition of Catholic social teaching, which invites us to …

  • Reflect on our responsibility to uphold the dignity of each person as created by God
  • Promote the common good
  • Work toward a more just and compassionate society

We embrace diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging principles as central to our Jesuit mission—and as part of our commitment to promote understanding, solidarity, and a sense of duty toward others and our broader community. Learn more.

  • No, Fordham adheres to the 2023 Supreme Court decision that ended race-conscious admission programs at colleges and universities.

  • Fordham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, arrest record, parental status, genetic information, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), height and weight, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Financial Aid

Congress is advancing a budget bill that could impose deep cuts to federal programs that support students and colleges, including student financial aid programs. For additional information regarding looming potential cuts to financial aid, visit this American Council on Education webpage on tax reform and higher education in 2025.

  • Fordham students and their families receive approximately $190 million in federal financial aid annually, distributed in the form of Federal Direct Loans to students and parents, Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, and Federal Work-Study.

  • With up to $330 billion in cuts threatening higher education and the ability for students to access financial assistance, Fordham and other institutions’ ability to shape future leaders and ensure our global competitive edge is at risk.

    For Fordham students, financial aid has created opportunities for thousands of Rams and built a strong alumni network of citizens for the world. Approximately 90% of current Fordham undergraduate students receive financial aid. The ROI on a Fordham degree is significant with a strong career placement of 94% of 2024 grads landing work or continuing their education within six months of completing their degree.

Research

Faculty and researchers who receive notice from a federal agency regarding potential changes to grant requirements, including certification requests, should immediately contact William Colona (colona@fordham.edu), Special Assistant to the Provost, for guidance.

  • Yes. To date, Fordham has lost approximately $600,000 in federal research grants.

  • Fordham advises researchers to proceed with their federally funded research projects according to the terms of their existing contracts and grant agreements. It is important to note that changes in federal policy require careful interpretation, and the University will provide guidance as it becomes available. In the event that a federal agency issues a stop-work order, certification request, or provides specific direction to discontinue DEI-related activities within a funded project, connect immediately with Bill Colona, Special Assistant to the Provost, for guidance.