#332 Student Visas and ICE Policy; Know Your Rights; Wen Ho Lee; Higher Ed and Science; +

In This Issue #332

• Update on International Student Visas and ICE Policy

• 05/08 Know Your Rights Webinar

• 05/29 Re-enactment of U.S. v. Wen Ho Lee

• Higher Education and Science Developments

• News and Activities for the Communities

Update on International Student Visas and ICE Policy

According to AsAmNews on April 22, 2025, based on a policy brief by the American Immigrant Lawyers Association, more students from India than from any other country have had their student visas revoked. A survey of revocations of 327 student visas and removal from Homeland Security databases found 50% were from India with China being the second highest at 14% followed by South Korea, Nepal and Bangladesh.

On April 24, Inside Higher Ed reported over 280 colleges and universities have identified 1,879 international students and recent graduates who have had their legal status changed by the State Department.

On April 25, after more than 100 lawsuits, the Trump administration announced that it would restore all terminated SEVIS statuses. On April 29, 2025, Politico reported how the Trump administration's "Student Criminal Alien Initiative” was rushed by using incomplete criminal database matches to wrongfully terminate thousands of foreign students’ legal status, leading to thousands of visa revocations and school bans without due process.

On April 28, the Department of Justice submitted an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) internal memoradum dated April 26 on "Policy Regarding Termination of Records" in the case of Patel v. Lyons (1:25-cv-01096). According to the memo, two new grounds for SEVP-initiated terminations were added: “Evidence of a Failure to Comply with the Terms of Nonimmigrant Status Exists” and “U.S. Department of State Visa Revocation (Effective Immediately).” This policy allowed ICE to terminate student records based on visa revocations.

At this time, the policy outlined in the April 26 notice has not been formally implemented, and the Department of Homeland Security is reportedly developing a new formal policy for SEVIS record terminations.

05/08 Know Your Rights Webinar

WHAT: AASF Know Your Rights: Criminal Law, Research Security & Higher Education

WHEN: May 8, 2025, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm ET

WHERE: Webinar

HOST: Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF)

Speaker: Robert Fisher, Partner, Nixon Peabody LLP

DESCRIPTION: An urgent Know Your Rights webinar focused on the intersection of criminal law, research security, and higher education—specifically addressing the mounting concerns facing Asian American professors and scientists who are facing increasing scrutiny and investigations, raising concerns about the return of the China Initiative and the environment of fear it cultivated. Moreover, international students, postgrads, and researchers are also facing increasing scrutiny with efforts to halt all Chinese student visas, preventing graduate students from conducting research, and targeting their participation in STEM fields.

REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/4d5xMOl

05/29 Re-enactment of U.S. v. Wen Ho Lee

WHAT: U.S. v. Wen Ho Lee - 25 Years Later

WHEN: May 29, 2025, 4:30 - 6:00 pm CT

WHERE: In Person Re-enactment. U.S. District Courthouse, 219 South Dearborn Street, 25th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60604

HOSTS: Asian American Bar Association; Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter; U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

Moderators:

• Stephen Chahn Lee, Solo Practitioner, AABA First Vice President, Former Federal Prosecutor

• Vikas K. Didwania, Assistant U.S. Attorney, former Senior Policy Advisor for Criminal Justice at the White House

DESCRIPTION: Twenty-five years ago, Wen Ho Lee, a Taiwanese-American scientist, became the focus of one of the most high-profile espionage investigations in American history. Suspected of sharing critical nuclear secrets with China, Dr. Lee faced public condemnation, criminal charges, and solitary confinement. However, as the case unraveled, it revealed profound flaws in the investigation, culminating in a rare judicial apology and a public acknowledgment by President Bill Clinton that "the whole thing was quite troubling".

This pivotal moment in Asian-American legal history continues to offer important lessons for today’s legal, civil rights, and national security landscapes.

This program will feature an in-depth exploration of United States v. Wen Ho Lee, with a critical look at the government’s investigation, the defense strategies that led to Dr. Lee’s eventual release, and the broader implications for justice and due process. Featuring Chicago practitioners and judges, this event will also include re-enactments of key moments from the case, including an interrogation that even senior government officials later admitted had gone too far.

This event is open to the public and will be followed by a reception. 1.5 hours of CLE will be offered (pending approval).

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/3GJ3MvR

Higher Education and Science Developments

1. Higher Ed Leaders Stand Up for Democracy and Academic Freedom

At a pivotal time for higher education and American democracy, two powerful public statements have been issued by leading voices in academia—calling for renewed commitments to open dialogue, civic engagement, and democratic principles. These open letters have been endorsed by hundreds of current and former college and university presidents and chancellors. APA Justice encourages Asian American organizations, academic networks, and community leaders to review, consider signing, and help spread awareness of these timely initiatives.

The first, A Call for Constructive Engagement, was released by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). As of May 5, over 610 current leaders from across higher education have signed on. The statement champions civil discourse and a shared responsibility for addressing challenges through inclusive, democratic means. Current higher ed leaders are urged to read and add your name as appropriate to the statement here: https://bit.ly/44VdrcC.

The second, A Pledge to Our Democracy, organized by PEN America, has been co-signed by 124 former presidents and chancellors representing a broad range of institutions—including research universities, HBCUs, regional colleges, and community colleges. This statement affirms a collective responsibility to uphold democratic values and the freedom to teach, learn, and speak without fear. To learn more or to join the pledge, contact Malka Margolies at mmargolies@pen.org or 718-530-3582.

These statements reflect a growing call to action. By adding our voices, we not only defend the values that sustain higher education and civil society—we also show that the Asian American community is ready to lead in shaping a more principled and inclusive future.

2. AAAS CEO Sudip Parikh Warns Against Catastrophic FY2026 Budget

On April 30, 2025, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) CEO Dr. Sudip Parikh testified before the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, chaired by Senator Susan Collins, about the urgent moment facing biomedical research, and science funding more broadly, in the United States.

The fiscal year (FY) 2026 Presidential budget request proposes major cuts to Research and Development, including a 40% cut to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 57% to NSF, and 24% to NASA, among others.

Dr. Parikh warned that steep federal cuts to biomedical and science research funding could cause the U.S. to lose its global leadership in innovation for generations. He stressed that the scientific ecosystem, built over 80 years, depends on federal support and is now facing paralysis and potential long-term decline. He urged Congress to obligate existing FY2025 funds and secure FY2026 appropriations, saying the U.S. is at a historic crossroads that demands immediate action to protect future scientific leadership. Watch his testimony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IT1TpNppK5M (6:40)

3. Foreign Policy: America's Coming Brain Drain

In his Foreign Affairs essay “America’s Coming Brain Drain,” on May 6, 2024, MIT President Emeritus L. Rafael Reif warns that the United States is at risk of losing its longstanding global leadership in science and technology. This dominance was built over decades through sustained investment in research and development, academic freedom, and an openness to international talent. However, Reif argues that these pillars are being eroded by a mix of federal funding cuts, political interference in universities, and immigration policies that deter the very scientists who once fueled American innovation.

A particularly damaging example Reif highlights is the legacy of the now-defunct China Initiative, a U.S. government program aimed at countering espionage that ended up disproportionately targeting scientists of Chinese descent. Though the program has officially ended, its chilling effects remain: international researchers are more hesitant to collaborate with U.S. institutions, and many have chosen to leave or avoid coming to the country altogether. Reif emphasizes that fear and suspicion cannot be the basis of national policy if the goal is to remain competitive in a globally interconnected research ecosystem.

"Nationwide, international students earn 64 percent of doctorates in computer and information sciences, 57 percent of those in engineering, and 54 percent of those in mathematics and statistics. The United States clearly could do a better job of developing homegrown talent for these fields, but it is important to recognize how much the country gains by attracting brilliant people from around the world. The overwhelming majority of international doctoral students educated in the United States intend to stay on in the United States after earning their degrees," Reif wrote.

Reif also expresses concern about increasing political pressures on higher education, particularly state-level attempts to reshape curricula or defund research based on ideological grounds. Coupled with the looming threat of steep federal funding cuts for agencies like the NIH and NSF, the U.S. risks dismantling the infrastructure that has long powered its innovation economy. To prevent a lasting brain drain, Reif calls for renewed investments in basic research, a welcoming posture toward global talent, and a reaffirmation of the values—openness, excellence, and integrity—that made the U.S. a world leader in science.

Read the Foreign Policy article: https://fam.ag/42JccvM

4. Inside Higher Ed: Tracking NIH and NSF Funding Cuts

According to Inside Higher Ed on May 6, 2025, the Trump administration has canceled close to $3 billion in National Institues of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) research grants, often without much explanation. Researchers are now crowdsourcing databases of suspended grants to shed light on what is being lost.

While politically sensitive topics like DEI and misinformation were cited as reasons, funding cuts have also hit areas like cancer and maternal health. Epidemiologist Scott Delaney and colleagues created Grant Watch to track NIH and NSF terminations, exposing their arbitrary and opaque nature. Their database has already recorded $2.78 billion in cuts, prompting concern over the chilling effect on U.S. research.

One striking example is Eric Wustrow, a University of Colorado professor whose NSF-funded project on online censorship was terminated despite not fitting any flagged category. His experience reflects broader inconsistencies that make it hard for researchers to understand which topics may now be “secretly banned.” Delaney emphasized the value of their crowdsourced data for advocacy and potential legal action, given the lack of transparency and shifting justifications for cuts.

In parallel, Abby Andre launched the Impact Project to document the broader erosion of federal support—across education, housing, and science—using crowdsourced data and media reports. Her interactive Impact Map visualizes state-by-state cuts and institutional damage. Both Grant Watch and the Impact Project aim not only to support current resistance but to preserve a public record for future accountability and reconstruction efforts.

5. 05/08 Webinar: Trump and Higher Ed: Understanding the Latest

WHAT: Trump and Higher Ed: Understanding the Latest (Part 3)

WHEN: May 8, 2025, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm ET

WHERE: Webinar

HOST: Chronicle of Higher Education

Speakers:

• Rick Seltzer, Senior Writer

• Sarah Brown, Senior Editor

DESCRIPTION: During his first few months in office, President Trump has tried to reshape higher education with a barrage of executive orders and actions aimed at transforming key parts of the academic enterprise. The frenzy of dramatic pronouncements, sudden reversals, and legal wrangling has created tremendous uncertainty for colleges. This is the third of a series of virtual events to examine challenges that are top of mind for colleges, their employees, and their students.

REFERENCES:

• 2025/04/03 Part 1: https://bit.ly/3GFu7e4 (1:03:01)

• 2025/04/24 Part 2: https://bit.ly/43l00Bq (1:03:34)

REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/4341dvU

6. 06/03 NASEM: Second Annual State of the Science Address

WHAT: The Second Annual State of the Science Address

WHEN: June 3, 2025, 3:00 - 5:00 pm ET

WHERE: National Academy of Sciences Building, 2101 Constitution Ave NW, Washington DC 20418

HOST: The National Academies of Sciences

Speaker: Marcia McNutt, President, National Academy of Sciences

DESCRIPTION: McNutt will explore progress and opportunities in specific areas that are critical to protect and strengthen U.S. science — including modernizing university-industry research partnerships, reducing red tape so that researchers can focus their time and resources more efficiently, building a stronger U.S. STEM workforce, and cultivating more public trust in science. The address will be presented with data and evidence on the quality and vitality of the research enterprise, trends in education and employment, and strategic and funding priorities.

After the address, Kelvin Droegemeier, former science adviser to President Trump and director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy from 2019 to 2021, will moderate a discussion with other research leaders. A reception will follow.

REFERENCE: 2024 State of the Science Address

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://bit.ly/3Z3SyYU

News and Activities for the Communities

1. APA Justice Community Calendar

Upcoming Events:

2025/05/08 AASF Know Your Rights: Criminal Law, Research Security & Higher Education

2025/05/12-14 APAICS Annual Summit and Gala

2025/05/18 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting

2025/05/22 Serica 2025 Trailblazers Conference & Gala

2025/05/29 U.S. v. Wen Ho Lee - 25 Years Later

2025/06/01 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting

2025/06/02 APA Justice Monthly Meeting

2025/06/03 The Second Annual State of the Science Address

2025/06/15 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting

2025/06/15-18 2025 Applied Statistics Symposium

Visit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details.

2. Summary of April 2025 APA Justuce Monthly Meeting Posted

Summary of the April 2025 APA Justice monthly meeting has been posted at https://bit.ly/44opZcn.

We thank the following speakers for sharing their insightful remarks and updates:

• Mark Takano, First Vice Chair, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Member, U.S. House of Representatives

• Erwin Chemerinsky, Dean, Jesse H. Choper Distinguished Professor of Law, University of California, Berkeley, Law School

• Judith Teruya, Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Judith.Teruya@mail.house.gov

• Joanna YangQing Derman, Director, Anti-Profiling, Civil Rights & National Security Program, Advancing Justice | AAJC

• Gisela Perez Kusakawa, Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF)

• Cindy Tsai, Interim President, Committee of 100

• Ed Guo, President, Asian American Academy of Science and Engineering (AAASE)

3. 05/22 Serica 2025 Trailblazers Conference & Gala

WHAT: Serica 2025 Trailblazers Conference & Gala

WHEN: May 22, 2025

• Conference: 8:30 am - 1:30 pm ET

• Gala: 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm ET

WHERE:

• Conference: 100 Washington St, New York City, 10016

• Gala: 583 Park Ave, New York City, 10065

HOST: The Serica Initiative

DESCRIPTION: This annual gathering celebrates AAPI women who are driving change across generations — in the arts, business, tech, education, philanthropy, and beyond. It will be a day of dynamic panels, powerful stories, and connection with some of the most inspiring leaders in our community.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://bit.ly/3SuDJuJ

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APA Justice Task Force is a non-partisan platform to build a sustainable ecosystem that addresses racial profiling concerns and to facilitate, inform, and advocate on selected issues related to justice and fairness for the Asian Pacific American community. For more information, please refer to the new APA Justice website under development at www.apajusticetaskforce.org. We value your feedback. Please send your comments to contact@apajustice.org.