Jill on the Hill: Help Balance the Federal Budget and Keep STEM Talent
Jill Welch has a long history of doing good work in the international student sector; the Shorelight Government Affairs team works closely with her through the US for Success Coalition. Her article in The PIE News lays out a strong case for making changes to our immigration policies by offering international students a permanent pathway to staying in the US. In addition to having to jump through hoops to get a US visa, international students have to follow a lot of rules during the period where they are enrolled at university. After students follow the rules and receive a world-class education in the US, why wouldn’t we want to welcome many into the US permanently?
International students have many choices of where they can spend their tuition dollars and contribute their intellectual talent. If the United States is going to lead the world in science and innovation, in addition to innumerable contributions to public health and safety, national security, and cultural ties, we are far more competitive for this talent if students can successfully navigate a pathway to employment-based immigration.
Colleges Issue Guidance to Mass. International Students Around Travel Plans and Paperwork
We have been hearing concerns from students about immigration enforcement and potential impacts during their enrollment in the US. In this article, you will see that several universities are issuing advice that students carry their documentation with them when possible. We have been advising and reminding students that much of what is happening in the US is geared toward “illegal immigration” and they are part of our legal immigration system. International students are welcome in the US and following the rules of their visas is important.
Boston University last week reminded international students to “maintain a full course load of study” and to not exceed “on-campus employment restrictions.” The guidance also advised students to contact the university’s police department if approached by any law enforcement officer from outside the school.
After Trump Admin Threats, ACLU Sends Letter of Support to Universities, Urging Them to Protect Campus Speech
In light of the Truth Social post from the President this week addressing campus protests, it’s a good idea to share the latest reporting from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The President’s post remains unclear what an “illegal” protest is; however, for our students, it is another reminder to follow their visa rules, stay in status, and to stay informed about the latest campus guidelines.
“The federal government cannot mandate expulsion of students or threaten funding cuts to punish constitutionally protected speech on campus,” said Esha Bhandari, deputy director of the ACLU’s Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project. “While the administration can enforce Title VI to ensure a learning environment free from harassment, it cannot force universities into adopting restrictive speech codes that silence the viewpoints the government disfavors.”
Get the full story on the ACLU website >
Also in the News...
Trump’s Proposal to Dismantle the Education Department Unpopular Among Americans
New America commissioned Voss Research and Strategy to conduct the nationally representative poll from February 21st to 25th. New America found that over half (55 percent) of American adults oppose eliminating the U.S. Department of Education.
Read more on the New America website >
Congress Moves to Slash Higher Ed Funding in Budget Showdown
Congress is advancing a budget bill that could impose deep cuts to federal programs that support students and colleges—while also introducing tax changes that could make it more expensive for students to afford college and harder for institutions to sustain their missions. These proposed tax measures, combined with significant funding reductions, pose a dual threat to higher education.
Learn more on the American Council on Education website >
State Dept. Staffers Get Mixed Messages on How to Serve International Students
The confusion at EducationUSA, a State Department program that works with students across 175 countries and territories, comes in the wake of President Trump’s executive order on language around diversity in government programs, according to a State Department source who was not authorized to speak to the press. That directive has had a ripple effect across the federal government, particularly when it comes to how employees communicate.
