Upholding Freedom and Values: An Urgent Call to Action

On October 26, 2025, Deviana Dewi, a PhD candidate at Johns Hopkins University, issued a poignant call to action regarding the erosion of fundamental freedoms, values, and equal opportunities in the United States. Drawing on historical context and personal experience, Dewi highlights the challenges facing American society today, particularly concerning immigration and the treatment of foreign workers.

Dewi’s journey to the U.S. was motivated by the nation’s rich tradition of academic excellence, driven by government investment in university research. This legacy, as articulated by wartime science advisor Vannevar Bush in his 1945 report, *Science, The Endless Frontier*, emphasized the necessity of federal support for research to bolster national security and economic growth. The influx of global talent, particularly during the post-World War II era, has significantly contributed to American scientific advancements.

At the heart of Dewi’s argument is the principle of freedom, which she aligns with the law. Citing Pope Saint John Paul II, she defines freedom not as the liberty to act without constraint but as the ability to pursue the good through responsible choices. This perspective underscores the importance of the law in defining right and wrong, ensuring that individual freedoms do not compromise the common good. In the words of Theodore Roosevelt, “No man is above the law and no man is below it,” emphasizing the essential role of law in democratic societies.

The discussion shifts to the values that shape American society. Dewi expresses concern over political leaders who place themselves above the law, stating that such attitudes undermine the very framework of democracy. She reflects on her experiences engaging in policy discussions with American friends, noting a tendency for partisan loyalty to overshadow objective debate. This divisiveness, she argues, detracts from the pursuit of truth and justice, which should be the guiding principles in political discourse.

Dewi’s alarm is particularly pronounced regarding recent policy proposals affecting foreign workers. She refers to a White House initiative suggesting a $100,000 fee for skilled foreign worker visas (H-1B) and the proposed American Tech Workforce Act, which seeks to eliminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. These measures, intended to prioritize American workers, threaten to undermine the principles of meritocracy and fairness that have historically defined the U.S. job market.

The introduction of a substantial visa application fee raises significant concerns. Dewi argues that such financial barriers could drive skilled workers to countries like the United Kingdom or Canada, which are currently easing their visa requirements to attract global talent. She points out that the U.S. has benefited immensely from the contributions of foreign talent, citing figures such as Elon Musk, who arrived on an H-1B visa and went on to create transformative companies like SpaceX and Tesla.

The implications of these policies extend beyond economic concerns. Dewi calls for the voices of international students and foreign workers—a demographic often overlooked in policy discussions—to be heard by elected officials. She encourages individuals to express their opinions directly to their representatives, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement in shaping policy.

As a Christian Catholic and an Indonesian, Dewi sees herself as a beacon of hope during this critical time. She highlights the significance of hope as a motivating force, stating that it is vital to act on knowledge and to pursue justice and truth.

In conclusion, Dewi’s reflections illuminate a pressing need for a collective reevaluation of the values that underpin American society. As the U.S. grapples with challenges to its foundational principles, the call for freedom, equality, and the rule of law becomes ever more urgent. The legacy of America as the “land of the free and the home of the brave” depends on the willingness of its citizens to uphold these ideals in the face of adversity.