As we close out this week, the Collaborative is back with another Stories of the Week recap. From new statistics on the number of immigrants coming into the United States to international students not coming to campus, here are the top stories impacting the well-being of im/migrants this week.
– Sophia Benavente
TOP STORY OF THE WEEK
New census data analyzed by the Pew Research Center reveals that over the first half of 2025, more immigrants are leaving the United States than arriving. While the Trump administration has celebrated these numbers, experts predict that if this trend persists, the country will suffer from negative economic and demographic consequences.
Immigrant Population in U.S. Drops for the First Time in Decades
NATIONAL STORIES OF THE WEEK
US to screen for ‘anti-Americanism’ in immigration applications, a move critics liken to McCarthyism
In the Trump administration’s latest step on immigration policy, people applying to work or live in the United States will be screened for “anti-Americanism.” Both civilians and experts have raised concerns over what classifies as American values, and implications for future immigration policy.
Trump’s Tactics Mean Many International Students Won’t Make It to Campus
Due to Trump’s travel ban, struggles to obtain visa appointments, or just out of fear, students from certain countries may not be returning to campus for the fall semester. As a result, universities may suffer consequences ranging from revenue loss to cultural diversity in higher education.
‘This cannot be normalized’: Blue cities and states rebuff White House over immigration enforcement
After Attorney General Pam Bondi’s letter demanding that Democratic-led cities and states end their sanctuary policies, leaders nationwide continue to stand their ground on limiting cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration officers.
INTERNATIONAL STORIES OF THE WEEK
Greece’s Crete sees surge in boat arrivals despite harsher detention policy
On Monday, over 120 refugees and migrants were intercepted off the Greek island of Crete. This comes as Greece’s stance towards refugees and migrants continues to toughen. Simultaneously, immigrant deaths in the central Mediterranean have continued to rise over the course of the year.
HEART-WARMERS OF THE WEEK
Nearly Half of Fortune 500 Companies in 2025 Founded by Immigrants or Their Children
On one of America’s most diverse streets, documenting life for decades
Thank you for reading the IWB Stories of the Week series! Stay tuned for next week’s edition.
Sophia Benavente is a Law & Policy Intern at the Im/migrant Well-Being Scholar Collaborative. She contributes by writing blog posts, translating materials, and assisting with research.