Alaïa Aulachong

Since Donald Trump’s last administration, he has campaigned for the mass deportation of immigrants under the guise of unlawful entry into the United States and increased crime. ICE’s (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) stated mission is to “protect” the U.S. from cross-border crime and illegal immigration, and has even extended to raids within workplaces and schools. In fact, on March 8 2025, Mahmoud Khalil, a recent Columbia graduate, was detained by ICE at the compliance of the university.

Growing up and living in California, especially the Bay Area, it’s hard for me to ever truly feel racially isolated. Which is an experience I imagine very distinctly different to marginalized communities overseas or even in many places in America, as much of a melting pot as it is. That is all to say, I never felt ostracized for being Asian, nor did I feel as though my specific ethnicity or culture was treated as a novelty. …The latter has struggled to remain true these past few years.

Hi all! As a result of my school newspaper bolstering my cold emailing confidence, I’m starting a series interviewing a plethora of cultural experts, such as reporters (like Ms. Donohue herself), artists, and anyone who seems to be on that pulse!! Expect this to be a bit more sporadic, but within my schedule of posting during Saturday evenings If I’m totally honest this one was a bit rough on my part as I didn’t exactlyyy prepare the proper questions, but! It was an absolute pleasure to...