#331 5/5 Meeting; Student Visas Reversal; Higher Ed United; Litigations; Heritage Month; +

In This Issue #331

• 2025/05/05 APA Justice Monthly Meeting

• International Student Visa Revocations and New ICE Policy

• Higher Education Against Political Interference/Government Overreach

• Latest on Litigations Against Trump's Executive Actions

• May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

• News and Activities for the Communities

2025/05/05 APA Justice Monthly Meeting

The next APA Justice monthly meeting will be held via Zoom on Monday, May 5, 2025, starting at 1:55 pm ET.

In addition to updates by Judith Teruya, Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Joanna YangQing Derman, Program Director, Advancing Justice | AAJC, and Gisela Perez Kusakawa, Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF), confirmed speakers are:

• William Tong 湯偉麟, Attorney General, State of Connecticut

• Robert L. Santos, Former Director, U.S. Census Bureau; Former President, American Statistical Association

• Haifan Lin 林海帆, President, Federation of Asian Professor Associations (FAPA); Professor, Yale University

• Gee-Kung Chang 張繼昆, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology; and his attorney Robert Fisher

The virtual monthly meeting is by invitation only. It is closed to the press. If you wish to join, either one time or for future meetings, please contact one of the co-organizers of APA Justice - Steven Pei 白先慎, Vincent Wang 王文奎, and Jeremy Wu 胡善庆 - or send a message to contact@apajustice.org.

International Student Visa Revocations and New ICE Policy

On April 25, 2025, Politico reported that more than 100 lawsuits and dozens of restraining orders from federal judges challenged the Trump administration’s mass termination of student visa records. After 20 days of consistent legal defeats, the administration capitulated and reversed its decision.

Notable lawsuits include

• Chen v. Noem (3:25-cv-03292), filed April 11 in the Northern District of California by the Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance (华美维权同盟 CALDA)

• Jane Doe 1 v. Bondi (1:25-cv-01998), filed April 11 in the Northern District of Georgia by CAIR-Georgia, Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta, and American Civil Liberties Union-Georgia.

Inside Higher Ed reported that over 280 colleges and universities have identified at least 1,879 international students and recent graduates had their visa revoked and their records terminated in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)—actions that carry significant immigration and employment consequences.

On April 29, Politico reported that the visa revocations were part of the "Student Criminal Alien Initiative," which involved running 1.3 million student names through a federal criminal database run by the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Approximately 6,400 matches were found, many of which were minor infractions or dismissed charges. Despite this, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) used the data to terminate student records in the SEVIS tracking system. In parallel, the State Department revoked visas for roughly 3,000 individuals based on similar data, separate from the SEVIS terminations.

Hundreds of the terminations, an ICE official who helped oversee the effort said, came less than 24 hours after an April 1 email exchange between his office and the State Department, with little sign of review of individual cases to ensure the decisions were accurate.

The lack of due process became especially clear during an April 29 hearing before U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes, where ICE officials admitted that hundreds of terminations were made within 24 hours of receiving raw data—with little or no individual case review.

“When the courts say due process is important, we’re not unhinged, we’re not radicals,” Judge Reyes said during an hourlong hearing. “I’m not on a lark questioning why students who have been here legally, who paid to be in this country by paying their universities … they’re cut off with less than 24 hours of consideration and no notice whatsoever."

Akshar Patel brought the suit that led to the April 29 hearing. He is an international student from India who pursued undergraduate studies in computer science at the University of Texas at Arlington. He graduated prior to 2025 and has since been working in the computer science field in North Texas. His legal status in the U.S. was abruptly terminated after his name appeared in the ICE sweep of the NCIC database. He had faced a reckless driving charge in 2018 but it was ultimately dismissed.

When colleges discovered the students no longer had legal status, it prompted chaos and confusion. In the past, legal statuses typically were updated after colleges told the government the students were no longer studying at the school. In some cases this spring, colleges told students to stop working or taking classes immediately and warned them they could be deported after the ICE sweep.

According to AP News, NBC News, and multiple media reports on April 29, an internal memo to all Student and Exchange Visitor Program personnel, which falls under ICE, shows an expanded list of criteria for ICE to terminate foreign-born students’ legal status in the U.S., including a “U.S. Department of State Visa Revocation (Effective Immediately).” It was filed in court by the Justice Department on April 28 and dated April 26.

This new ICE policy could foreshadow another new round of deportation efforts.

Brad Banias, an immigration attorney who represents Patel, said the new guidelines vastly expand ICE’s authority beyond previous policy, which did not count visa revocation as grounds for losing legal status. In the past, if a student had their visa revoked, they could stay in the U.S. to finish their studies — they simply would not be able to reenter if they left the country. “This just gave them carte blanche to have the State Department revoke a visa and then deport those students even if they’ve done nothing wrong,” Banias said.

Follow the continuing development at https://bit.ly/3Yd6gIH.

Higher Education Against Political Interference/Government Overreach

On April 22, 2025, the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AACU) published a statement denouncing the Trump administration’s “unprecedented government overreach and political interference” with higher education.

According to the Guardian, the joint condemnation followed a convening of more than 100 university leaders called by the AACU and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences to “come together to speak out at this moment of enormity”, said Lynn Pasquerella, the president of the AACU. Pasquerella said that there was “widespread agreement” across a variety of academic institutions about the need to take a collective stand.

In the powerful unified statement, leaders of America’s colleges, universities, and scholarly societies voiced strong opposition to “unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education.” While affirming their openness to “constructive reform” and “legitimate government oversight,” the signatories declared: “We must oppose undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live, and work on our campuses.”

The statement emphasized the unique role of higher education in sustaining democracy and fostering innovation, asserting that “American institutions of higher learning have in common the essential freedom to determine, on academic grounds, whom to admit and what is taught, how, and by whom.” It warned that undermining these freedoms would come at a steep cost: “The price of abridging the defining freedoms of American higher education will be paid by our students and our society.” The signatories from large state schools, small liberal arts colleges and Ivy League institutions declared: “We must oppose undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live, and work on our campuses” and concluded with a call for “constructive engagement that improves our institutions and serves our republic.”

The number of signatories rose from about 180 on the day the statement was issued to over 594 as of 6:00 pm ET on May 1, 2025. AACU continues to accept signatures from current leaders of colleges, universities, and scholarly societies.

Separately on April 22, 2025, a group of at least 122 retired university and college presidents and chancellors issued a powerful "Pledge to Our Democracy" warning that the United States is facing an unprecedented constitutional and political crisis. They condemn the current administration for ignoring court rulings, attacking the press, punishing free speech, and undermining independent institutions like universities and research centers—hallmarks of democratic societies.

Drawing parallels to autocratic regimes in Russia, Turkey, and Hungary, the signatories argue that America’s democratic institutions are being dismantled in favor of authoritarian control. They call for a broad, nonpartisan coalition—including educators, students, unions, and community leaders—to resist this slide into autocracy and defend constitutional values, urging Americans to stand up before democracy is lost.

Read the Pledge to Our Democracy: https://bit.ly/437C0BI

Latest on Litigations Against Trump's Executive Actions

As of May 1, 2025, the number of lawsuits against President Donald Trump's executive actions reported by the Just Security Litigation Tracker has grown to 222 (7 closed cases).

1. Mass Termination of F-1 Foreign Student Visa Records

One of the most significant waves of legal action involves the mass termination of F-1 foreign student visa records. The Tracker consolidates as one case Jane Doe 1 v. Bondi (1:25-cv-01998) all the lawsuits involving the removal of F-1 foreign student visa registration, representing over 100 lawsuits filed (and 50 restraining orders) against the administration’s actions. They include Liu v. Noem (1:25-cv-00133), Deore v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security (2:25-cv-11038), and Chen v. Noem (3:25-cv-03292) although each case may vary in facts and legal arguments.

According to a policy brief by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and as reported by AsAmNews on April 22, Indian and Chinese nationals account for the majority of revoked student visas -- 50% and 14% respectively -- followed by South Korea, Nepal and Bangladesh.

Amy Grenier, AILA’s Associate Director of Government Relations, advises students to document any notices received from the government or their universities. Tejas Shah, president of the South Asian Bar Association’s charitable arm, expressed concern over the lack of clarity and due process: “Students have not been given an opportunity to properly challenge the grounds for the revocations,” he said. While some students have opted to self-deport, Shah urges caution and emphasizes the importance of legal counsel and consular support before making such decisions.

2. District Court Rules Invocation Of Alien Enemies Act Was Unlawful

According to AP News, Wall Street Journal, and multiple media reports, on May 1, 2025, U.S. District Court Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. of the Southern Disatrict of Texas ruled in the case of J.A.V. v. Trump (1:25-cv-00072) that the Alien Enemies Act (AEA) cannot be used against people who, the Trump administration claims, are gang members invading the United States. He is the first judge to bar the Trump administration from deporting any Venezuelans from South Texas under the 18th-century wartime law.

“The Court concludes that the President’s invocation of the AEA through the Proclamation exceeds the scope of the statute and, as a result, is unlawful,” wrote Judge Rodriguez, who was nominated by Trump in 2018. His ruling is significant because it is the first formal permanent injunction against the Trump administration using the AEA and contends the president is misusing the law. “Congress never meant for this law to be used in this manner,” said Lee Gelernt, the ACLU lawyer who argued the case, in response to the ruling.

The Alien Enemies Act has only been used three times before in U.S. history, most recently during World War II, when it was cited to intern Japanese Americans.

3. 220+ Lawsuits for First 100 Days in Office

According to ABC News, in the first 100 days of Donald Trump’s second term, his administration has faced an unprecedented wave of legal challenges—more than 220 lawsuits—averaging over two per day. Approximately 60 of those cases have focused on the president's immigration policy,

These lawsuits target executive orders, sweeping immigration changes, mass firings, and attacks on higher education and civil liberties. Judges across the country have blocked key parts of his agenda, including attempts to end birthright citizenship, punish sanctuary cities, and eliminate diversity initiatives. While the administration has won some temporary reprieves, courts have harshly criticized its disregard for due process and constitutional norms.

In the first hundred days since Trump took office, lawyers challenging his actions in court alleged that his administration violated court orders at least six times. The administration has rebutted orders to bring Abrego Garcia back to the United States despite the Supreme Court ordering them to facilitate his release. Federal judges have accused the Trump administration of acting in "bad faith," willfully ignoring court orders, and launching what one judge called a “shock-and-awe” campaign against legal guardrails. High-profile rulings have exposed how ICE used the Alien Enemies Act to deport individuals without proper review and how student visas were revoked based on speech or minor offenses.

Four law firms have sued the Trump administration after they were targeted for their past work, with each firm arguing the Trump administration unlawfully retaliated against them and violated their First Amendment rights. Judges have temporarily blocked the Trump administration from targeting Susman Godfrey LLP, Jenner & Block LLP, Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP, and Perkins Coie LLP. "The framers of our Constitution would see this as a shocking abuse of power," U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan said regarding the order targeting Susman Godfrey LLP.

According to the New York Times Tracker, as of May 1, at least 132 of the court rulings have at least temporarily paused some of the Trump administration’s initiatives.

May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month originated in June 1977 when Representatives Frank Horton (New York) and Norman Y. Mineta (California) called for the establishment of Asian/Pacific Heritage Week. Hawaii senators Daniel Inouye and Spark Matsunaga introduced a similar bill in the Senate. Both bills passed, and in 1978 President Jimmy Carter signed the resolution. In 1990, President George H. W. Bush expanded the celebration from a week to a month.

The monthlong celebration honors the contributions and history of Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities in the United States.

The activities have grown beyond cultural festivities to include serious themes addressing community grief and social justice, especially in response to recent anti-Asian hate incidents. Events are now held in various public spaces across the U.S., highlighting the diversity within AANHPI communities. Despite recent federal rollbacks on diversity initiatives, public interest and participation in AANHPI Heritage Month continue to expand, reflecting broader engagement in civic life and a reclaiming of space for underrepresented voices.

Over 30 members of Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) members & House Democratic leaders celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month with this statement: https://bit.ly/3GwLRbL.

The website asianpacificheritage.gov is the official U.S. government portal for AANHPI Heritage Month. It is a collaborative project curated by various federal cultural institutions including the Library of Congress, National Archives, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

The website covers:

• History of AANHPI Heritage Month: Its origins, significance, and how it came to be recognized in May.

• Feature Exhibits and Collections: Digital exhibits, archival materials, and special collections that highlight AANHPI contributions to American history and culture.

• Events and Programs: A calendar of public lectures, virtual tours, and educational programs hosted by federal agencies and museums.

• Resources for Educators: Lesson plans, teaching materials, and historical documents that support classroom learning.

• Spotlights on Notable Figures: Biographies and achievements of prominent AANHPI individuals across diverse fields such as arts, science, politics, and activism.

Some of the state and local activities for the Heritage Month:

• Asia Society: https://bit.ly/3EyjdGB

• Asia Society Texas: https://bit.ly/3YXa40S

• Cincinnati, Ohio: https://bit.ly/3S4kiJn

• Fairfax County, Virginia: https://bit.ly/42SYLIn

• Houston: https://bit.ly/4lUVQYn

• Kansas City: https://bit.ly/44dxgM1

• Lincoln, Nebraska: https://bit.ly/4iFQpd6

• Los Angeles: https://bit.ly/3EH5gpN

• Middle Tennessee: https://bit.ly/4jB5oq5

• Montgomery County, Maryland: https://bit.ly/4jQWkNs

• New York: https://bit.ly/3YVuLKI

• Orlando, Florida: https://bit.ly/42PWZry

• San Francisco: https://bit.ly/42CO5ib

• Seattle: https://bit.ly/3GuFTrB

• Unexpected: https://bit.ly/42RaEhV

News and Activities for the Communities

1. APA Justice Community Calendar

Upcoming Events:

2025/05/04 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting

2025/05/05 APA Justice Monthly Meeting

2025/05/05 Silk Road Connection: Oklahoma and Gansu Celebrate 40 Years of Friendship through Culture, Music, and Education

2025/05/06 Asian American Careers - How to Build Your Personal Network, including Through Strategic Allies

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

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

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

2025/06/02 APA Justice Monthly Meeting

2025/06/15-18 2025 Applied Statistics Symposium

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

2. The Silk Road Connection

On May 5, 2025, the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) will host a "Silk Road Connection" performance to celebrate 40 years of sister-state friendship between Oklahoma and the Gansu province of China. The in-person event is free and open to the public. It will be held at Constitution Hall in the George Nigh Center, University of Central Oklahoma, 100 N. University Drive, Edmond, Oklahoma. Reception starts at 6 pm. Performance starts at 7 pm.

The event will feature traditional Chinese music and dance, hors d'oeuvres, photo opportunities with Chinese performers in traditional costumes and a performance from Oklahoma’s own Kyle Dillingham & Horseshoe Road. A delegation from Gansu will bring both government officials and a large group of professional dancers and musicians. Former UCO President and Oklahoma Governor George Nigh will also be in attendance.

For more information and tickets to to event, visit: https://bit.ly/44Q5S6Z

# # #

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.