June 14, 2025: This Week in International Student News
- International Student Voice Team
- Jun 17
- 5 min read
Hey there! 👋 Woof. It was a week in the news...so here we go.
This week's newsletter brings you the facts you need to stay informed, scholarship opportunities to help fund your goals, and practical guidance to keep you moving forward.
We're also celebrating David, a student from Romania, and his incredible artistic journey to CalArts—a reminder that even in challenging times, international students continue to create, inspire, and make their mark on American campuses.
International Student Voice Team ⭐
THIS WEEK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS 📰
🔹 Immigration Raids Spark Week-Long Protests in Los Angeles
Federal ICE raids that began June 6th have triggered ongoing protests across Los Angeles, now stretching into their eighth day. The demonstrations started after agents arrested over 100 suspected undocumented immigrants in coordinated raids across the city. President Trump has deployed Marines to guard federal buildings as tensions escalate, with hundreds arrested during the protests. Read more at CNN
🔹 Trump Expands Travel Ban to Include Green Card Applications
A new executive order significantly broadens travel restrictions, now affecting not only tourist and student visas but also green card applications from several countries. The policy includes exceptions for certain categories of applicants, though immigration attorneys are still clarifying the full scope. This represents the most comprehensive travel restriction since the original 2017 ban. Details at Vox
🔹 State Department Resumes Harvard Student Visa Processing
Following a federal judge's ruling, the U.S. State Department has resumed processing student visa applications for Harvard University after a temporary suspension. The move comes after legal challenges to the administration's targeted restrictions on specific institutions. Current Harvard international students remain protected under the court's temporary injunction. Read more at Channel News Asia
🔹 New Data Reveals International Student Enrollment Patterns
Fresh analysis from NPR shows shifting demographics in international student enrollment across U.S. colleges, with significant implications for institutional funding and campus diversity. The data highlights which regions and types of institutions are most affected by recent policy changes and economic pressures. Full breakdown at NPR
🔹 Tragic Air India Crash Claims Over 240 Lives Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the devastating Air India crash in Ahmedabad that killed more than 240 people on Thursday. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed into a medical college hostel shortly after takeoff, marking the worst aviation disaster in a decade. We extend our deepest condolences to all families affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. Read more at Reuters
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SPOTLIGHT:
David Petrovici, California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)
First Romanian admitted to CalArts
"My journey to study in the U.S. has been both inspiring and challenging. I’m a multidisciplinary artist with a growing portfolio of original short films, including Heaven Is Complicated, which won Best Short Comedy at the Bucharest Best Comedy Film Festival. I also directed a one-hour documentary on the artistic life of Los Angeles during a film internship, where I met Emmy-winning mentors and scholars.
A particularly meaningful moment in my journey was attending a Masterclass led by Oscar-winning producer and educator Milton Justice, who later wrote a recommendation for me. He compared my creativity and dedication to that of his former students—Mark Ruffalo and Bryce Dallas Howard—and stated, “Quite honestly, I don’t normally see this level of talent in young people today.” His belief in me has been a source of strength as I navigate the uncertainty of this transition.
Like many international students, I’ve had to be resourceful in financing my education. My family’s resources are modest, but through scholarships, a charity concert being held for me at the Romanian National Opera, and a long-planned education fund I will access in July, I am working tirelessly to bridge the financial gap.
My purpose is clear: to tell meaningful stories that connect people across cultures, and to grow as both an artist and a human being.
While working on one of my short films, I discovered I have a natural ability to connect and communicate with people of all ages. I directed a cast ranging in age from 16 to 40, and what could have been intimidating ended up being one of the most rewarding experiences.
Outside of film and acting, I have a strong passion for music—playing piano and guitar, and sports—especially swimming, skiing, and equitation. These activities keep me grounded and help me recharge creatively."
Want to be featured in our next newsletter? Reply to this email with a brief description of your journey, and you might be featured in our next newsletter!
FUNDING YOUR FUTURE: Scholarship Opportunities 💰
MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship
Open to international students enrolled at U.S. or Canadian universities that MPOWER supports. Awards range from $1,000-$8,000, with the deadline of July 31, 2025. This is perfect for students already in the system looking for additional funding.
Study a Bachelor's in the USA Scholarship
Specifically designed for international students planning to pursue undergraduate degrees in the United States. The application deadline is July 9, 2025, at 12:00 CEST. This scholarship targets students in the application phase of their U.S. education journey.
ACI Foundation Scholarship 2025
Available to both graduate and undergraduate international students. The application period opens July 1st, 2025, giving students a fresh opportunity to apply for funding. This is great for students in engineering and construction-related fields.
American College of Surgeons International Guest Scholarships
Offering $10,000 awards with a July 2025 deadline. This is specifically for international students interested in medical fields and surgical studies.
Bold.org International Student Scholarships
Multiple exclusive scholarships are available only through their platform, with various deadlines throughout the summer. These range from smaller awards to significant funding opportunities.
IMMIGRATION CORNER 🛂
Why LA Became Ground Zero for Immigration Protests
The Numbers Tell the Story:
35.8% of Los Angeles city residents are foreign-born (U.S. Census Bureau, 2019-2023)
More than 1.2 million LA residents are of Mexican ancestry (largest immigrant group)
An estimated 951,000 undocumented immigrants reside in LA County.
What Triggered the Protests:
ICE raids on June 6th targeted multiple locations simultaneously, arresting 100+ people in coordinated sweeps across the city. The scale and visibility sparked an immediate community response.
What This Means for Students:
Stay Informed: Know your rights during any law enforcement encounter
Emergency Contacts: Keep your immigration attorney's number readily available
Documentation: Always carry valid immigration documents
Campus Resources: Your international student office can provide guidance and support
Key Takeaway: While protests reflect community tensions, maintaining a valid student status remains your best protection. Focus on compliance with visa requirements and stay connected with your school's international office.
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