Alumni Spotlight: Cyrus Mehta ‘90

Today, Cyrus Mehta ’90 is a prominent attorney for immigrant rights and constitutional protections, handling high-profile cases and shaping policy conversations across the country through his blog and other platforms. He is currently working on Mahdawi v. Trump.

Though he planned—twice—to return to India, his path kept unfolding in New York. Friendships and referrals from I-House peers drew him back time and again, eventually establishing him as a leading voice in immigration law.

Mehta credits I-House not so much with shaping his career, but with deeply influencing his worldview. “It was a bubble,” he reflects, “but it prepared me for life in New York and the United States.” Immersed in cultural programs, co-writing and producing plays, and forging close bonds with residents from around the globe, he came to understand the power of community and dialogue—especially among people from countries in conflict. As an Indian national at the time, honest conversations with Pakistani residents revealed surprising commonalities that transcended geopolitical divides, embodying the very essence of I-House’s mission. Since then, Mehta has become a naturalized U.S. citizen—a journey that reflects his lasting connection to the country and the values he first encountered at I-House.

What began as helping fellow I-House residents navigate their own immigration challenges evolved into a lifelong vocation. When Mehta arrived at Columbia Law School to pursue his LLM, he envisioned a future in corporate law. That path began to take shape with a legal advisory role at International House, where he reviewed contracts for the Davis Hall renovation project among other assignments—but soon pivoted in an unexpected direction: immigration law.

Now more than ever, Mehta believes I-House’s mission is vital. “We’re living in a world marked by populism and xenophobia. I-House is a counter to that. It’s about alliances, friendships, and mutual respect,” he said. As he continues to fight for a more just and open society, Mehta carries the spirit of I-House with him. It is a place where a conversation over dinner can spark lifelong friendships and even a calling, he said.