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.
Read more“Fragile Giants” by Michel Bassompierre
Photos by Misia Delgado
Park Avenue has been taken over by a slew of “Fragile Giants.” The installation by artist Michel Bassompierre features the artist’s signature playful animals cast in bronze, welcoming all who stroll down the street. The sculptures were unveiled this May for Park Avenue Day, and will be on display for the next year through May 2026. Visitors can see these cuddly creatures on Park Avenue between 34th and 38th streets.
