ICYMI: ‘Angel families’ urge Republicans to pass ‘big beautiful bill’ and secure border to prevent tragedies: ‘There must be change’

5/21/2025

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Action Summary

Bill Advocacy: Angel Families call for Congressional support of President Trump’s “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” to secure the border and fast-track deportations.
Border Security Focus: Emphasis on sealing the border to prevent tragedies associated with crimes committed by illegal immigrants.
Emotional Appeal: Families, who have lost loved ones, stress that the government’s failure to secure the border has resulted in irreversible personal loss and that urgent, accountable action is needed.
Broad Support: The open letter has been co-signed by over 60 angel relatives, highlighting multiple, high-profile cases of loss.
Call for Change: Urgency is placed on ending the cycle of excuses from Washington, demanding solutions to prevent future tragedies.

Risks & Considerations

The proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill” emphasizes securing the border and fast-tracking deportations, which could lead to significant changes in immigration policy. This may impact Vanderbilt University, particularly in terms of its international student population and faculty recruitment.
There is a risk that stricter immigration policies could reduce the diversity of perspectives and experiences at Vanderbilt, as approximately 10% of its graduate students are from abroad. This could affect the university’s academic environment and its ability to attract top talent globally.
The focus on border security and deportations may also lead to increased scrutiny and potential challenges for international students and staff, potentially affecting their sense of security and belonging at the university.
Vanderbilt may need to consider strategies to support its international community, including legal assistance and advocacy, to navigate potential changes in immigration policy.

Impacted Programs

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at Vanderbilt may need to enhance its support services to assist international students and staff in understanding and complying with new immigration policies.
The Office of Global Safety might need to develop contingency plans to address potential disruptions in international travel and visa processing for students and faculty.
Vanderbilt’s Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives could be impacted, as changes in immigration policy may affect the university’s efforts to maintain a diverse and inclusive campus environment.
The Peabody College of Education and Human Development may see increased demand for research on the impacts of immigration policy on education and community dynamics.

Financial Impact

Changes in immigration policy could affect the financial contributions of international students, who often pay full tuition, potentially impacting Vanderbilt’s revenue streams.
Vanderbilt may need to allocate additional resources to support services for international students and staff, including legal assistance and advocacy efforts.
There may be opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research on immigration policy and its effects on education and society, particularly through collaborations with federal agencies and think tanks.
The university might experience changes in its funding opportunities if federal grants prioritize research and initiatives related to border security and immigration policy.

Relevance Score: 4 (The proposed bill presents high risks involving potential major transformations in immigration policy affecting the university’s international community.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should closely monitor the progress of President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” and its implications for immigration policies. Understanding the potential changes in border security and deportation processes will be crucial for assessing the impact on the university’s international student population and research collaborations.
The Immigration and International Student Services Office should prepare to provide support and guidance to international students and staff who may be affected by changes in immigration policies. This includes offering legal resources and counseling services to help navigate any new regulations.
Vanderbilt’s Public Policy Studies Department should conduct research on the societal and economic impacts of stricter immigration policies. This research can inform public discourse and policy recommendations, positioning Vanderbilt as a thought leader in immigration policy analysis.
The Center for Latin American Studies should engage in outreach and advocacy efforts to support communities potentially affected by the proposed immigration bill. By collaborating with local and national organizations, the center can help amplify the voices of those impacted and contribute to policy discussions.

Opportunities

The proposed bill presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Law School to expand its immigration law clinics and programs. By providing legal assistance and education on immigration issues, the law school can enhance its community engagement and support for affected individuals.
Vanderbilt can leverage its expertise in social sciences to host forums and discussions on the implications of the proposed immigration policies. These events can foster dialogue and understanding among students, faculty, and the broader community, enhancing Vanderbilt’s role as a hub for critical policy analysis.

Relevance Score: 4 (The proposed immigration bill could require major process changes for Vanderbilt’s international programs and student support services.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.2

Timeline for Implementation

N/A

No specific timeline or deadline was provided in the article; the directive is a call to action urging Congress to pass the proposed bill without referencing an enforcement period.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

U.S. Congress: As the primary legislative body being urged to pass the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” Congress is directly implicated in determining border security and immigration policy.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS): DHS is central to enforcing border security measures and would play a pivotal role in implementing any changes mandated by the proposed legislation.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): As an agency under DHS, CBP is tasked with securing U.S. borders and would directly engage in enforcing the enhanced border measures.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): ICE would be involved in the expedited deportation processes and immigration law enforcement aspects of the proposed bill.

Relevance Score: 2 (Between three and five government organizations are impacted by the information in the text.)

Responsible Officials

Members of Congress (particularly Republican members) – They are urged to sponsor, debate, and vote on the proposed legislation to secure the border and fast-track deportations.

Relevance Score: 5 (The directive targets top-level policymakers, namely elected congressional officials, whose actions have significant national impact.)