UNLV Community Protests Visa Revocations Amidst Growing Activism
On April 24, a significant protest unfolded outside UNLV’s Hospitality Hall, drawing attention from students, alumni, and local community members. Organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation and the Youth Revolutionary Front, the event was sparked by the recent revocation of visas for seven UNLV students by the Trump administration.
Voices of Solidarity
Students from various organizations, including Students for Justice in Palestine and the UNLV Feminist Club, participated in the demonstration, brandishing signs with messages like “Education Not Deportation” and “Students and Workers Unite.” Amidst chants condemning figures such as Donald Trump and Elon Musk, many students passed by with varying degrees of engagement, while some chose to join the rally.
Personal Stories Fuel Activism
Nazareth Zerai, a senior studying computer science, expressed her motivation for attending the protest. “Many students want to join but may not know how,” she explained. Zerai’s political awareness has been shaped by her Ethiopian-American heritage and her family’s experiences amidst ongoing turmoil in Ethiopia. “Their only hope is either Sudan or Europe, facing significant danger,” she shared, reflecting on her family’s struggles.
Statements from Advocates
Raymond Behnke, vice president of Students for Justice in Palestine, emphasized the movement’s broader implications. “This is not just about the students but also about undocumented families and workers. We must stand in solidarity with them.” The protest also highlighted intersecting issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and LGBTQ+ rights, fostering a broader dialogue on human rights.
Calls for Institutional Change
Ben Leffel, an assistant professor at UNLV, joined the protest after learning of it via social media. “All universities should be sanctuary campuses,” he stated, referencing Harvard’s stance against federal pressure regarding student safety. Leffel remarked on the moral obligation of universities: “We create talent, and we have to protect that talent.”
Concerns and Perspectives
As Leffel addressed the crowd, some students inquired about the potential risks of his participation. “No, I’m not afraid,” he assured them, advocating for the use of privilege to safeguard vulnerable populations.
Looking Forward
By the end of the protest, Zerai appreciated the support from her professor, who permitted her to attend despite conflicting class schedules. “I’ve learned so much and now feel empowered to participate in my country,” she said, highlighting her commitment to advocacy.
On April 25, the Trump administration began to reverse the revocations of over 1,500 student visas issued in the previous two months. The status of the seven UNLV students remains uncertain as the university has opted not to publicly identify them for their safety.