Key Takeaways
• On May 21, 2025, CVU students protested federal immigration policy forcing two Nicaraguan classmates to leave.
• The DHS ended temporary parole on March 25, 2025, affecting over 500,000 from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.
• Affected students had 30 days to leave, causing educational disruption and emotional distress at CVU.
On May 21, 2025, students at Champlain Valley Union (CVU) High School in Vermont took a bold stand by walking out of their classrooms. Their protest was a direct response to recent changes in federal immigration policy that forced two of their Nicaraguan classmates to leave the United States. The walkout, organized by students and supported by many in the school community, highlights how national immigration decisions can have immediate, personal effects on young people and their families—even in small towns far from the U.S.-Mexico border.
This article explains what happened at CVU, why the walkout occurred, the background of the federal immigration policy in question, and the broader impact these changes are having on schools and communities across the United States 🇺🇸. It also provides practical information for those affected by similar policies, with links to official resources and clear explanations of key terms.
What Happened at CVU: Students Walk Out in Protest
Who: Students at Champlain Valley Union (CVU) High School
What: Staged a walkout protest
When: May 21, 2025
Where: Hinesburg, Vermont
Why: To protest a federal immigration policy that forced two Nicaraguan students to leave the country
How: By organizing a coordinated walkout, voicing support for their classmates, and raising awareness about the impact of immigration enforcement on their school community
The walkout was not just a symbolic gesture. It was a heartfelt response to the sudden loss of two classmates who had become part of the CVU family. According to Superintendent Adam Bunting, the school community experienced “shock, some outrage, and then sadness about having a relationship with a peer change pretty dramatically.” The protest was a way for students to express their disagreement with the policy and to show solidarity with those affected.
The Immigration Policy Change: Ending Temporary Parole
The walkout at CVU was triggered by a specific federal action: the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) order issued on March 25, 2025. This order ended a temporary parole program that had allowed over half a million people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to stay in the United States legally.
What is Temporary Parole?
Temporary parole is a special permission granted by the U.S. government that allows certain individuals to enter or remain in the country for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. It does not provide permanent legal status, but it does offer protection from deportation for a limited time. You can read more about parole on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) official page.
What Changed?
On March 25, 2025, the Trump administration ended this program for people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. As a result, individuals who had been living in the United States under this protection received letters from the government telling them they had 30 days to leave the country.
Who Was Affected?
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, more than 500,000 people were impacted by this sudden change. At CVU, two Nicaraguan students and their families received these termination letters. The language in the letters was described by Jill Martin Diaz of the Vermont Asylum Assistance Project as “very strong” and “designed to instill fear in folks and prompt them to self-deport.”
The Human Impact: Real Lives, Real Consequences
For the two Nicaraguan students at CVU, the policy change was not just a legal issue—it was a life-altering event. One student had been at the school for several months, while the other had attended for over a year. Both had become well-integrated members of the school community, making friends, participating in activities, and planning for their futures.
Why Did the Students Leave?
Superintendent Bunting explained that the students’ decision to comply with the deportation order was driven by fear for their future:
“The fear is, ‘If I want to go to college in this country someday, what would it mean for me to be living here illegally? And what would be the consequences of that?'”
Staying in the United States without legal status could have jeopardized their chances of returning legally in the future or pursuing higher education. The students and their families faced an impossible choice: leave the country they had come to call home, or risk becoming undocumented and facing even harsher penalties later.
When Did They Have to Leave?
The students were required to leave the United States by the end of April 2025. Their sudden departure left classmates, teachers, and administrators struggling to process the loss.
The School Community Responds: Shock, Sadness, and Action
The impact of the deportation orders rippled through the CVU community. Teachers and administrators had been working with the affected families since the March 25 order, trying to find ways to keep the students in Vermont. Despite these efforts, they were unable to prevent the students from having to leave.
Superintendent Bunting captured the mood in a letter to the Champlain Valley School District (CVSD) community on April 10, 2025:
“These students are not political operatives. They are not criminals. They are not threats. They are young people who have found safety and meaning in our community. And now, because of a shift in federal policy, their lives are being upended — again.”
He also stressed the importance of public awareness:
“These federal policies are affecting our kids. And I think people need to be aware of that, because they don’t know.”
The walkout on May 21 was the most visible sign of the community’s response. Students organized the protest to show their support for their classmates and to call attention to the real-life consequences of federal immigration policy decisions.
Broader Policy Context: More Than Just Immigration
The situation at CVU is not happening in isolation. Superintendent Bunting pointed out that the immigration enforcement action was just one of several recent federal policy changes affecting schools. He specifically mentioned a new Department of Education order requiring school districts to certify in writing that they do not engage in practices advancing diversity, equity, or inclusion (DEI).
What Does This Mean?
This order could limit schools’ ability to support students from diverse backgrounds, including immigrants. It adds another layer of complexity for educators trying to create safe and welcoming environments for all students.
Why Is This Important?
When federal policies change, the effects are often felt most strongly at the local level. Schools like CVU are on the front lines, dealing with the immediate consequences for students and families. These policies can disrupt education, cause emotional distress, and force young people to make difficult choices about their futures.
How Immigration Policy Changes Affect Schools and Communities
The events at CVU illustrate several key ways that immigration policy changes can impact schools and communities:
1. Disruption of Education
When students are forced to leave the country, their education is interrupted. They may lose credits, fall behind in their studies, or face challenges enrolling in new schools in their home countries.
2. Emotional and Social Impact
The sudden loss of classmates can cause grief, anxiety, and a sense of instability among students and staff. Friendships are disrupted, and the school community may feel less safe and welcoming.
3. Legal and Practical Challenges
Families affected by policy changes often have to make quick decisions with limited information. They may need legal help to understand their options, but resources can be scarce—especially in rural areas.
4. Strain on School Resources
Teachers, counselors, and administrators may need to provide extra support to students dealing with trauma or uncertainty. Schools may also have to navigate complex legal and bureaucratic requirements.
5. Community Division or Solidarity
Policy changes can sometimes create tension within communities, but they can also bring people together in support of affected families, as seen in the CVU walkout.
What Can Schools and Communities Do?
While local schools cannot change federal immigration policy, there are steps they can take to support students and families affected by these changes:
- Provide Accurate Information: Schools can share reliable resources about immigration policies and legal rights. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website is a good starting point.
- Offer Emotional Support: Counselors and social workers can help students process their feelings and cope with stress.
- Connect Families with Legal Help: Organizations like the Vermont Asylum Assistance Project can provide guidance and representation.
- Advocate for Students: School leaders can speak out about the impact of policy changes and advocate for more humane approaches.
- Foster Inclusion: Even when federal policies are restrictive, schools can work to create welcoming environments for all students.
Practical Guidance for Affected Families
If you or someone you know is affected by a change in immigration policy, here are some practical steps to consider:
- Read All Official Correspondence Carefully: Government letters about immigration status are serious. They often include deadlines and instructions that must be followed.
- Seek Legal Advice: Do not make decisions based solely on fear or rumors. Contact a qualified immigration attorney or a trusted nonprofit organization for help.
- Know Your Rights: Even if you are not a U.S. citizen, you have certain rights under U.S. law. Learn more from the American Immigration Council.
- Keep Records: Save copies of all documents, letters, and forms. This can be important if you need to appeal a decision or apply for a different status in the future.
- Stay Informed: Immigration policies can change quickly. Follow updates from official sources and reputable news outlets.
The Bigger Picture: Immigration Policy and the Future of U.S. Schools
The CVU walkout is just one example of how immigration policy decisions made in Washington, D.C. can have far-reaching effects. According to VisaVerge.com, changes to programs like temporary parole can disrupt the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, including students who have built lives and friendships in the United States 🇺🇸.
As debates over immigration policy continue, it is important to remember the human stories behind the headlines. For the students at CVU, the walkout was not just about politics—it was about standing up for their friends and demanding a more compassionate approach to immigration.
Actionable Takeaways
- For Students: If you see classmates affected by immigration policy, offer support and solidarity. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
- For Educators: Stay informed about policy changes and be proactive in supporting affected students. Advocate for resources and training to help your school respond effectively.
- For Families: If you receive a government letter about your immigration status, act quickly and seek legal advice. Do not ignore deadlines or instructions.
- For Community Members: Speak up about the impact of immigration policies in your area. Support organizations that help immigrants and refugees.
Where to Find More Information
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) – Official government site for immigration forms, policies, and updates
- USCIS Humanitarian Parole – Details on parole programs and eligibility
- American Immigration Council – Know Your Rights resources
- VisaVerge.com – Analysis and updates on immigration policy changes
The CVU walkout is a powerful reminder that immigration policy is not just a matter of law or politics—it is about real people, real families, and real communities. As the United States 🇺🇸 continues to debate the future of its immigration system, the voices of students, educators, and families affected by these decisions deserve to be heard.
Learn Today
Temporary Parole → A limited permit allowing certain individuals to stay in the U.S. for urgent humanitarian reasons temporarily.
DHS → Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. federal agency overseeing immigration enforcement and related policies.
Deportation → The legal process of expelling a non-citizen from the United States by government authority.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency managing immigration applications and benefits.
Federal Immigration Policy → Government rules and laws regulating who may enter, stay, or be removed from the U.S.
This Article in a Nutshell
CVU High School students staged a May 2025 walkout to protest federal immigration policy ending temporary parole. Two Nicaraguan classmates were forced to leave legally, showing harsh real-life impacts on communities even in rural America. The protest called for awareness and support for immigrant students facing government enforcement.
— By VisaVerge.com
Read more:
• La Vergne Police Department to hold town hall on immigration policy
• Immigration and Customs Enforcement steps up arrests at immigration courts
• Oklahoma House blocks plan to collect student immigration status
• UK government plans to shorten Graduate Route in new Immigration White Paper
• Canadian immigration policy shift removes job offer boost in Express Entry
