10 News A Day: Immigration, Campus Protests, and the Changing Landscape of U.S. Higher Education

1. Majority of U.S. College Students Feel Free to Express Their Opinions on Campus 

   Source: Diverse Education 

   A recent study reveals that the majority of U.S. college students, across various backgrounds and political views, believe their campuses support free expression. Topics such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are still viewed as sensitive, but most students report feeling able to share their opinions. This gap between perceived campus viewpoint acceptance and personal feelings of free expression presents a challenge in improving the overall campus environment for all students.

   
   

2. Trump Administration’s Visa Revocation Policies Spark Concerns Among International Students 

   Source: NPR 

   The Trump administration’s actions, including the detention of pro-Palestinian student activists and international students, raise concerns about due process and access to legal representation. The government’s use of "forum shopping," seeking jurisdictions with conservative courts, could affect the outcomes of these cases. This growing uncertainty impacts students, particularly international students, highlighting the need for awareness of U.S. immigration and legal systems.

   
   

3. Increasing Popularity of Certificate Programs Amid Declining Bachelor’s and Associate Degree Completions 

   Source: Diverse Education 

   A recent report indicates a significant rise in the completion rates of undergraduate certificate programs in the U.S., reaching a ten-year high, while bachelor’s and associate degree completions are declining. Students, especially younger ones and dual-enrolled high school students, are increasingly opting for these shorter, career-oriented programs that offer quicker pathways to employment. The rise of certificate programs reflects a broader shift in student preferences toward more flexible, job-focused education.

   
   

4. AI Usage in College Commencement Ceremonies Sparks Backlash 

   Source: Chronicle 

   The University of North Georgia faced significant backlash when it announced it would use AI-generated voice recordings for reading graduates' names at commencement. While the university aimed to enhance the accuracy of pronunciations, students criticized this as impersonal, viewing it as a devaluation of their personal achievements. This controversy highlights the tension between technological efficiency and the desire for personal, human connections in major life events.

   
   

5. Trump Administration's Visa Revocation Policy Causes Uncertainty for International Students 

   Source: Chronicle 

   The Trump administration has revoked visas of numerous international students, citing reasons ranging from political activism to minor traffic violations. This action has left many students in a precarious position, with some facing detention or being forced to leave the country. The absence of clear guidelines around visa revocations is causing significant concern among international students, raising questions about the future of U.S. higher education’s relationship with global talent.

   
   

   

   
   

6. Princeton and Other Ivy League Schools Face Suspension of Federal Grants Amid Antisemitism Investigations 

   Source: Diverse Education 

   Princeton University and other Ivy League institutions, including Columbia and Harvard, are facing suspensions of critical federal research grants amid ongoing investigations into campus antisemitism. These actions have created tension between universities and the federal government, raising questions about the role of federal oversight in education and the balance between combating discrimination and protecting academic freedom.

   
   

7. Illinois to Join National Trend Allowing Community Colleges to Offer Bachelor’s Degrees 

   Source: Diverse Education 

   Illinois is set to become part of a national trend allowing community colleges to offer bachelor's degrees in high-demand fields like business, healthcare, and technology. Governor Pritzker’s support for this legislation aims to make higher education more accessible and affordable. Nearly 32% of U.S. community colleges now offer bachelor’s degrees, particularly targeting students from underserved populations.

   
   

8. Vanderbilt’s Neurodivergent Ph.D. Program Faces Funding Cuts Amid NSF Funding Pause 

   Source: Inside Higher Ed 

   Vanderbilt University’s neurodivergent Ph.D. program is facing uncertainty as the National Science Foundation pauses funding. This program, which supports autistic students in STEM fields, has been instrumental in fostering diverse research contributions but now faces setbacks that could hinder its planned expansion. This reflects broader concerns about funding cuts impacting diversity and inclusion in higher education.

   
   

9. Trump Administration Freezes Federal Grants for Brown University Amid Antisemitism Concerns 

   Source: CNN 

   Brown University’s federal funding has been frozen by the Trump administration due to concerns over its handling of antisemitism and diversity programs. This is part of a broader crackdown on universities accused of tolerating antisemitic activities, raising concerns about political interference in academic programs and the protection of free speech on campus.

   
   

10. US Immigration Agency to Screen Immigrants’ Social Media for Antisemitism

 Source: NPR

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will now screen immigrants' social media for evidence of antisemitism, which could result in the denial of immigration benefits. This new policy, part of a broader crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism, raises concerns about privacy, due process, and the chilling effects on free speech, especially for international students in the U.S.