On June 18, 2025, the US Department of State (“DOS”) issued a statement announcing it is resuming visa services for foreign students with an updated social media policy. We had previously covered the issues students faced and the announcement by DOS on May 27, 2025 that they would not be scheduling new appointments for student visas. Under the new guidelines, which are expected to be implemented within five business days all F‑1, M‑1, and J‑1 visa applicants are instructed to set their social media profiles to “public.” The purpose? Consular officers are now expected to review “applicants’ entire online presence”, not just social media bios.
Read moreFoot Fountain (pink) by Mika Rottenberg
As you know, we love covering the ever-changing art installations on The High Line. However, when “Foot Fountain (pink)” by Mika Rottenberg first stepped onto the scene in April, we weren’t exactly sure if we wanted to feature it. Now months have gone by and we just can’t turn away from the pink foot statue, finding ourselves frequently intrigued by the display. We thought that it was time to share, especially with the hot days of summer approaching. The ten foot sculpture doubles as a fountain spouting out water from the top which Rottenberg explains saying, “on the High Line, instead of nurturing the well-tended gardens, I thought it should nurture and cool passersby on hot days, and share some of its overenthusiastic spirit!” Luckily when we snapped this photo the foot didn’t spray us, but we imagine on a really hot summer’s day one might actually find some relief in the foot’s spray. The sculpture will be on display until May 2026, if you find yourself on the High Line you can’t miss it!
Trump Administration Intensifies Immigration Crackdowns After Colorado Attack
On June 4, 2025, US Citizenship and Immigration Services, together with US Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) announced a plan to ramp up the review and enforcement of immigration records. Under the direction of the Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, the plan targets visa overstays, which the Trump administration claims have increased due to what they call the Biden administration’s weak immigration policies. Since the announcement, as a result of immigration enforcement campaigns carried out by ICE there have been numerous immigration protests beginning in Los Angeles and spanning the country to the East Coast.
Read morePresident Trump Admits Immigration Crackdown is Hurting the US
“The Sun Is a Flame That Haunts The Night” by Tai Shani
We were walking through New York’s Chelsea neighborhood recently when we looked up to see a glowing candle, lighting our way. The mysterious light is part of the new art installation on the High Line, “The Sun Is a Flame That Haunts The Night” by Tai Shani. For this piece, Shani drew upon one of her recurring motifs, candlesticks, to create cartoon-like sculptures which glow at night. Though candles usually drip and melt, reminding us of the passing of time, these candles stay the same, unchanging on the High Line. The installation will light up the Highline through March 2026. We recommend art lovers catch these beautiful sculptures at night when they’re aglow.
Immigration is a Human Story
Art Vending Machines
Ana Inciardi, an artist who hails from Brooklyn, has been installing print vending machines across the country for the last three years. A machine recently opened at Artists & Fleas in Chelsea market, a perfect location for the Italian American artist who celebrates food, community, eating, and accessibility. We knew we had to take a visit! Usually, the Friday photo gives us a chance to appreciate art displays, but this week we got to take the art home with us. All you need is four quarters to get a surprise print. Inciardi said the inspiration for the machines came from a sticker and temporary tattoo vending machine at the supermarket where she grew up. One week when she was short on quarters for the laundromat, she realized she could use the format of those childhood vending machines but put a twist on them, filling the machines with her prints to make art accessible for people across New York. The idea has been a massive success, and now her linocut prints can be found across the country. We were excited to bring home our New York themed images of a hot dog, ice cream, bagel, and Italian spritz, some of the best treats for a New York summer day!
President Trump’s New Travel Restrictions
On June 4, 2025 the Trump Administration signed a proclamation barring nationals from twelve countries, primarily from Africa and the Middle East, from entry into the US and restricting the entry of nationals hailing from seven other countries. The travel ban is set to go into effect as 12:01 AM EST on Monday, June 9, 2025.
Read moreHarvard University President Gets Standing Ovation After Recognizing Foreign Students
Changes in Student Visa Rules: What It Means for International Students
Over the last few days, the Trump Administration has introduced changes to its student visa policies, prompting concerns within academic and international communities. On May 27, 2025, the US State Department issued a directive by Secretary of State Marco Rubio instructing embassies worldwide to pause the scheduling of new interviews for student and exchange visitor visas (F, M, and J categories). This measure is part of a broader review aimed at enhancing the screening and vetting processes for these applicants, including the implementation of expanded social media evaluations. Notably, individuals with already scheduled interviews are not affected by this pause.
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