Ava Menkes

Ava Menkes is 2025 Puffin student writing fellow focusing on foreign policy and immigration for The Nation. She is from Asheville, North Carolina, and is studying political science and journalism at University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Demonstrators gather to protest against a travel ban announced by US President Donald Trump.

The “Refugee Pipeline” Has Been Abandoned The “Refugee Pipeline” Has Been Abandoned

Since Trump took office, assistance for refugees has largely been revoked or suspended, with many recent arrivals from Afghanistan unable to bring their families.

Sep 8, 2025 / StudentNation / Ava Menkes

Doug Rebout’s soybean farm in Janesville, Wisconsin.

How Trump’s Tariffs Shocked Wisconsin Farmers How Trump’s Tariffs Shocked Wisconsin Farmers

The administration’s tariff policies have thrust soybean farmers into economic chaos as they navigate higher input costs and shifts in global trade.

Aug 12, 2025 / StudentNation / Ava Menkes

People in Chicago protesting against recent ICE raids and President Trump.

“Every Single Day I Pray”: Young People Protest ICE in Chicago “Every Single Day I Pray”: Young People Protest ICE in Chicago

Thousands of protesters marched in Chicago against Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in their city and President Trump’s deployment of troops in Los Angeles.

Jun 13, 2025 / StudentNation / Ava Menkes

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