Policy Briefs

YIP's policy briefs provide clear, nonpartisan summaries of key national issues and policies. Designed for accessibility, they distill complex topics into concise, understandable analyses, bridging the gap between intricate policy debates and a broad audience. These briefs embody our commitment to informed, unbiased discourse, crucial for fostering a well-informed public and encouraging active engagement in policy discussions.

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Briefs harmonize diverse political perspectives in policy teams of 4-6 for insightful policy solutions.

Recent Policy Briefs

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Impact of AI on Medicine

Public Health Policy

Anika Agrawal

Artificial intelligence (AI )and digital technologies are increasingly shaping the U.S. healthcare system, transforming how patients are treated, monitored, and diagnosed. From past innovations such as X-rays and antibiotics to today’s advanced AI-powered diagnostic systems, technology advancements continue to reshape modern medicine.

Cuba and U.S. Tensions Escalate

Rapid Response

Chenya Kwon

This brief will cover recent tensions with Cuba and the United States. with particular emphasis on the February 2026 speedboat altercation and its implications for the countries’ future relationship.

Infographic: State of the Union

Rapid Response

Aisha V Foday

In what was called to be a record-breaking convention in multiple years, President Trump delivers his annual State of the Union Speech for 2026, a declaration of a protected, strengthened, and revamped America, although met in midst of suspicion, protests, and questioning claims from audiences.

The Current Chaos of US-Latin America Relations

Foreign Policy

Kate Chu

This brief examines the current nature of relations between the United States and countries in Latin America, assessing global implications as well as potential solutions to rising tensions.

Pretextual Traffic Stops

Criminal Justice

Aram Jung

Pretextual traffic stops, in which an officer uses a minor traffic violation as a legal reason to stop a vehicle and investigate unrelated crimes, are a common but controversial policing practice in the United States. Studies have shown that these stops often fall more heavily on minority drivers and rarely uncover serious offenses, raising concerns about fairness, public trust, and whether they use police time effectively. This policy brief analyzes how law enforcement uses pretextual stops, the legal rules governing them, and research on their impact on public safety and community relations. As a whole, this brief aims to outline the use of pretextual traffic stops in the current context and to provide practical recommendations to protect civil rights.

Who Gets to Eat? SNAP, Work Requirements, & Food Insecurity

Social Policy

Lilian Tsai

This brief analyzes food insecurity in the United States with an emphasis on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It evaluates SNAP’s historical development, recent policy changes, and their implications for food security, employment, and public health.