Welcome back to “The Unify Brief,” where we track the latest developments shaping the nation. Here’s what you need to know this week.
The Trump administration reverses visa revocations
On Friday, April 25, the Trump administration reversed its decision to revoke the visas of thousands of international students following widespread legal challenges and public outcry.
Earlier this month, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) abruptly terminated the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records of approximately 4,700 students, often due to minor or dismissed legal infractions. This move led to over 100 lawsuits and emergency injunctions from judges across the nation.
In response to the heightened legal pressure, the Department of Justice announced on April 25 that ICE would reinstate the affected students’ records and develop a clearer policy for future visa terminations. However, ICE retains the authority to terminate records for other legal violations.
While the reversal has provided relief to many affected students, uncertainties remain regarding the State Department’s stance on visa revocations and the criteria for future terminations. ICE officials are currently working on a policy that will dictate which students could be subject to visa terminations in the future.
Local: University of Colorado, Colorado State confirm reinstatement of student visas after White House reversal (CBS News Colorado)
National: Trump backs down in legal fight over canceling international students’ status records for now (CNN)
What other college campuses have to say: Trump administration backtracks on student visa cancellations (Daily Trojan)
U.S. and China trade relations
President Donald Trump has signaled a potential softening of his administration’s tariffs on China. While maintaining that existing tariffs will stay in place unless China offers “something substantial,” Trump indicated he would consider reducing tariffs if China grants greater access for U.S. businesses.
However, China swiftly denied that any new negotiations were underway, calling such claims “fake news,” highlighting continued tensions and confusion between the two countries.
The tariffs, which Trump reinstated after returning to office, have led to growing domestic concern. While Trump portrays the tariffs as a bargaining tool, the broader implications for the U.S. economy and the future of trade relations with China remain uncertain.
Local: China denies any suggestion it is currently in talks with the US over tariffs (The Denver Post)
National: Trump tariffs live updates: US won’t drop China tariffs without something ‘substantial’ (ABC News)
International: China tells Trump: If you want trade talks, cancel tariffs (BBC)
What other college campuses have to say: ‘Never Going to Be Like That’: Former National Security Council Official Rejects Trump’s Tariff Strategy on China (The Harvard Crimson)
Education and DEI
On Friday, April 25, 19 states filed a federal lawsuit in Massachusetts challenging the Trump administration’s order to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in public schools. The Department of Education’s April 3 guidance memo threatens to withhold federal funding unless states certify they are not employing what the administration deems “illegal DEI practices.”
The plaintiffs argue that their DEI initiatives are lawful efforts to ensure equal access to education and that the federal threat jeopardizes billions of dollars in educational funding, especially for vulnerable student populations. The administration has not provided a specific list or criteria of DEI initiatives they deem illegal, but have suggested that any targeted efforts to support specific student populations would be treated as violations.
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell criticized the administration’s stance as unlawful and harmful. The lawsuit includes attorneys general from states such as California, Colorado, New York and Illinois. Education Secretary Linda McMahon defended the directive, emphasizing the need to prevent discrimination in schools and warning of possible funding cuts for non-compliance.
The lawsuit highlights the ongoing tension between federal directives and state-level educational policies, particularly concerning the implementation and legality of DEI programs in public education.?
Local: Federal judge blocks Department of Education’s guidance on DEI amid split response among states (Denver 7)
National: 19 States Sue the Trump Administration Over Its D.E.I. Demand in Schools (The New York Times)
What other college campuses have to say: California joins suit against Trump administration for cuts to educational grants (Daily Bruin)
Take Action:
At DU:
- Engage in conversations with professors or other faculty members to learn more.
- Stay informed and up to date with news and developments surrounding these topics.
