Universities across the U.S. are reacting differently to immigration enforcement targeting international students. Tufts University defended a student detained after criticizing U.S. support for Israel.

Johns Hopkins and others issued cautionary guidance but avoided public support. Columbia University took a harsher stance, disciplining pro-Palestine students. Over 300 student visas were revoked after criticism of Israel, according to Secretary Marco Rubio.

Some students and staff feel universities aren't doing enough. At Yale, a professor is leaving the U.S. in protest. Critics argue that schools are failing to protect First Amendment rights. Fear continues to grow among international students and faculty.

Portugal denied entry to 1,400 Brazilians in 2024, a sharp rise from 179 in 2023. This marks a 721% increase. Most were refused due to invalid visas or lack of travel justification.

Still, Brazilians remain largely unaffected by Portugal's tighter immigration rules. Under the CPLP mobility agreement, they can enter as tourists and apply for residency. Brazil leads in foreign residents in Portugal, with over 150,000.

In 2023, Portugal granted 147,262 residence permits to Brazilians. Job-seeking visa requests from Brazil also rose by over 200% in 2024. Despite entry denials, Brazil's interest in Portugal remains high and steady.

USCIS will now recognize only two sexes—male and female—on immigration forms. This reverses a Biden-era policy allowing an “X” gender marker. The decision follows an executive order stating sex is immutable and determined at birth.

Applicants must use the sex listed on their birth certificate. If a nonbinary marker exists, USCIS may require secondary evidence. Forms with an “X” may be updated with a different marker.

This change may cause delays for some applicants. The policy applies to all pending and future applications starting April 2, 2025. USCIS says the move aligns with national security and biological reality.