Laken Riley Act Could Have Implications for Higher Ed
For those following immigration news, you are probably aware of a the Laken Riley Act that has moved through the House and Senate at a record pace. The bill is named after a Georgia nursing student who was murdered by an undocumented immigrant. This bill started out as a Republican messaging bill on the issue around crime and illegal immigrants; it quickly gained traction with the both Republicans and Democrats and passed the House easily. While this bill at first glance makes sense, unfortunately, when you get into the substance of the bill, it goes too far. The bill includes a provision that would expand the power of state attorney generals, allowing them to sue the federal government and seek sweeping bans on visas from countries that won’t take back deportees.
We have been working with coalition partners advocating for the removal of the provision expanding state powers. The higher education sector associations and business coalitions are all engaged. Yesterday, our advocacy resulted in an amendment being put forth in the Senate by Senator Coons (DE) that would strike the critical section; unfortunately, it did not succeed. The Senate has moved to close debate and we anticipate the bill going back to the House for approval.
Our efforts to influence the bill will continue; however, we do anticipate this legislation to ultimately pass. It will immediately be challenged in the courts which should delay implementation. We will follow this every step of the way and continue to update you with all new information.
How would the Laken Riley Act impact higher ed?
By enabling state attorneys general to file lawsuits not only about the handling of one individual deportee but also all visa applicants, the bill’s impact instantly becomes rather broad and can inadvertently harm the success of colleges and industry groups, Miriam Feldblum, executive director of the Presidents’ Alliance said.
Will the Laken Riley Act become law?
If the bill makes it to the White House in its current form, President-elect Donald Trump would likely sign it into law when he takes office. But Feldblum noted that parts of the bill are at odds with Trump’s increasing emphasis on ensuring that what immigration does occur legally promotes the introduction of skilled workers.
Read the full story on Inside Higher Ed >
The Missing Voice In The H-1B Visa Debate: International Students
This interview with the CEO of MPower, Emmanuel “Manu” Smadja, covers topics such as streamlining the process for international students, preparing for a scenario of stricter visa policies, relying on international students, and much more.
“The United States has thrived on its tradition of offering opportunities to talented and dedicated individuals from around the globe,” says Smadja. “Sustaining this momentum and implementing policies to enhance these efforts will drive American innovation and build connections with future global leaders.”
Learn more on Poets & Quants >
Worried about Trump’s Immigration Policy Changes, Indian H-1B Holders Avoid Travelling out of US
This article provides thoughtful insights into the challenges many face on their journey to immigrating into the US. The process from student to worker to permanent citizenship in the US is long, expensive, and filled with uncertainty. The US remains a top choice for students and workers in high-demand fields. However, as we head into this new administration, many are concerned about their futures.
Business intelligence developer Vasanth Kalyan, who also holds an H-1B visa, does technical work at a cancer hospital in Tampa, Florida. For the past few weeks, he has felt “insulted and unsettled” as he read online comments and news commentaries calling H-1B holders like him “cheap labour” and “invaders” spreading the
“H-1B virus”. Online remarks have quickly devolved into racist jibes about Indian culture and xenophobic claims about foreigners stealing Americans’ jobs.
Get the full story on the Asia News Network >
International Students In Limbo: The Growing Controversy Over the OPT Program
We are always on the lookout for any news regarding OPT programs. The incoming administration has a divide between those who think OPT is a valuable program and others who think OPT is taking away jobs from Americans. We know that international students value the opportunity for postgraduation work opportunities and if OPT weren’t an option, they would consider other countries for their degree programs. Our team will be monitoring any proposals that would limit or eliminate any practical training programs.
“The debate surrounding this issue within the incoming administration is concerning, especially with some factions being anti-immigrant. However, there’s also strong support coming from the business community, entrepreneurs like Elon Musk, who understand the importance of international students in the U.S. economy. The Bay Area depends on these talented people, and I remain optimistic that the business community’s support will outweigh the opposition.”
