Issues

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How International Students Contribute to our Campuses, Communities, and Country

June 8, 2021
The exchange of people and ideas is necessary to ensure we have the expertise needed to fight the next global threat or pandemic, and international students are vital contributors to our knowledge and innovation agenda. Our graduate science programs, in particular, are dependent on the presence o... Continue Reading
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Higher Education Components of Key Immigration Legislation Impacting Undocumented Students

May 25, 2021
The Presidents' Alliance compiled this resource, which explores the higher education components of recent and ongoing immigration legislative efforts. Congress is considering a wide variety of pieces of legislation, and each of them address different higher education priorities. This chart provid... Continue Reading
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Presidents’ Alliance Letter Supporting the Nomination of Ur Jaddou for USCIS Director

May 25, 2021
Presidents' Alliance Letter Supporting the Nomination of Ur Jaddou for USCIS Director May 26, 2021 Dear Chairman Durbin, Ranking Member Grassley, and Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee: On behalf of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, we write to express ... Continue Reading
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Initiative on U.S. Education Pathways for Refugee Students

May 18, 2021
On May 17, 2021, the Presidents' Alliance, along with other partners, hosted an inaugural strategy meeting on how to significantly increase refugee student access and entry into the U.S. to pursue higher education. The meeting marked the launch of an initiative to mobilize higher education leader... Continue Reading
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Statement for the Record for House Judiciary Hearing on Barriers to Immigration Benefits

April 28, 2021
On April 28, 2021, the House Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship held a hearing entitled, “Why Don’t They Just Get in Line?”: Barriers to Legal Immigration. In support of this hearing, the Presidents’ Alliance submitted its statement for the record, highlighting the barriers undocumented,... Continue Reading
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Presidents’ Alliance Coalition of 500+ Presidents Urge Passage of U.S. Citizenship Act

April 28, 2021
Presidents' Alliance Coalition of 500+ Presidents Urge Passage of U.S. Citizenship Act Transmitted electronically United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 United States House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Member of Congress: On behalf of the Presidents’ Alliance o... Continue Reading
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Template Letter to Congress on the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 for Higher Ed Institutions

March 19, 2021
The Presidents’ Alliance developed this template letter to Congress for institutions of higher education to adapt and send to their U.S. Senate and House delegations in support of the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021, which includes comprehensive and long-awaited reforms to the immigration system, ma... Continue Reading
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Letter from Coalition of Organizations to Secretary of State and HHS on University Sponsorship of Refugees

March 9, 2021
Letter from Coalition of Organizations to Secretary of State and HHS on University Sponsorship of Refugees March 9, 2021 The Honorable Antony Blinken U.S. Department of State Office of the Secretary Room 7226 Harry S. Truman Building 2201 C. Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20520 Th... Continue Reading
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Template Letter to Congress on the Dream Act of 2021 for Higher Ed Institutions

March 8, 2021
The Presidents’ Alliance developed this template letter to Congress, particularly the Senate, for institutions of higher education to adapt and send to Senate delegations in support of the Dream Act of 2021, which would codify Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) into law and provide a p... Continue Reading
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Steering Committee Letter Endorsing the Dream Act of 2021

March 2, 2021
Steering Committee Letter Endorsing the Dream Act of 2021 Transmitted electronically March 2, 2021 United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senators: On behalf of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, we write to express our full support of the bipartis... Continue Reading
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BRIEFING: Refugee Advocacy and Higher Education Access

February 22, 2021
  Earlier this month, the Presidents' Alliance co-hosted a convening with the University Alliance for Refugees and At-Risk Migrants (UARRM), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and Rutgers Global on Refugee Advocacy and Higher Education Access. Participants discusse... Continue Reading
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Statement for the Record for Hearing on the U.S. Immigration System and the Need for Bold Reforms

February 11, 2021
On February 11, 2021, the House Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship held a Hearing on the U.S. Immigration System and the Need for Bold Reforms. In support of this hearing, the Presidents’ Alliance submitted its statement for the record. Read the full statement below. ... Continue Reading
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Overview of President Biden’s Immigration Reform Legislation in Regards to Higher Education and Student Immigrants

February 8, 2021
On day one of his presidency, the Biden administration announced its plans to send an immigration reform bill to Congress for consideration, the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021. There will likely be other immigration efforts and vehicles of reform in addition to this bill in the coming weeks. Though... Continue Reading
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Letter to Acting Education Secretary Rosenfelt on COVID-19 Emergency Grants for Immigrant Students

January 29, 2021
On January 29, 2021, we sent a letter to Acting Education Secretary Rosenfelt to request clarification that new COVID-19 emergency relief grants are available to undocumented students. Letter to Acting Education Secretary Rosenfelt on COVID-19 Emergency Grants for Immigrant Students Delivered... Continue Reading
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Overview of Biden Executive Actions on Immigration Related to Higher Education and Students

January 25, 2021
Introduction President Joe Biden announced executive actions on immigration, many of which will impact immigrant and international students, staff, and faculty in higher education. These actions include a variety of mechanisms, including presidential proclamations, executive orders, and memorand... Continue Reading
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Directory of Major Immigration Developments and Recommendations During First 100 Days of Biden Administration

January 25, 2021
This page contains an overview of some of the key recommendations, proposals, and developments that occurred or were transmitted during the the first 100 days of President Joe Biden's administration. Recommendations and Proposals Comment in Response to USCIS’ Request for Information on Barr... Continue Reading
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Legislative Recommendations Regarding Immigrant Students, Higher Education Access, Federal Financial Aid, and Professional and Occupational Licensure

January 7, 2021
The nonpartisan, nonprofit Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration brings college and university presidents and chancellors together on the immigration issues that impact higher education; immigrant and international students, alumni, faculty, and staff; and our campuses, communi... Continue Reading
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President-elect Joe Biden’s Platform and Statements on Higher Education and Immigration

December 1, 2020
A Biden-Harris administration promises a new direction for many of the immigration issues prioritized by higher education, and higher education associations and institutions largely welcome the incoming administration. President-Elect Joe Biden has promised that his administration will restore DA... Continue Reading
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Executive and Administrative Immigration and Higher Education Actions

November 12, 2020
This document outlines higher education and immigration-related executive and administrative actions for the incoming Biden/Harris administration. The ​Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration​ calls on the incoming administration to consider these actions within its first 100 day... Continue Reading
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Presidents’ Alliance Comment Opposing New Proposed Duration of Status Rules

October 27, 2020
On October 26, 2020, the Presidents' Alliance of Higher Education and Immigration submitted a comment in opposition to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's) new proposed rule eliminating duration of status for international students. Presidents' Alliance Comment Opposing New Propo... Continue Reading
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BRIEFING: First and Second Generation Immigrant Students in Higher Education: What Campus Leaders Need to Know — Crucial Stakes for Higher Education and Our Country

October 15, 2020
This one-hour briefing provided in-depth coverage of a new Presidents’ Alliance-commissioned and Migration Policy Institute-produced report on the number of first and second generation immigrant students in higher education. The report reveals the significant impact of immigration policy on colle... Continue Reading
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Immigrant-Origin Students in U.S. Higher Education

October 15, 2020
The Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration commissioned a Migration Policy Institute-produced report, Immigrant-Origin Students in U.S. Higher Education, demonstrating that in 2018 more than 5.3 million students, or 28% of all students enrolled in colleges and universities, were... Continue Reading
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Letter Requesting Extended Comment Period for New Proposed Duration of Status Rule

October 9, 2020
On October 8, 2020, the Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration led 90 organizations, ranging from higher education institutions to national organizations, in submitting a letter to acting U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) leadership to request an extended 60-day comment... Continue Reading
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Congress must include immigrant workers and students in next round of COVID relief

September 17, 2020
Thousands of work authorized immigrants are risking their health as essential workers to keep our country running during a pandemic, so why has federal coronavirus relief written off immigrant workers and students? With the start of school well underway on campuses and in communities, it is incum... Continue Reading
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Immigration and Education – NP Omnibus Results for August 2020

September 15, 2020
The Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration and NP Strategy Group present new polling on higher education and immigration that shows support for COVID-19 relief measures for immigrant workers and students. Review the findings here. Continue Reading
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Letters to Congressional Leadership on Extension of Employment Authorization in Fourth COVID-19 Legislative Package

August 13, 2020
On August 13, 2020, the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration sent letters to Senate and House leadership to ask for extensions of employment authorization for work-authorized immigrants in the next COVID-19 relief package. Presidents’ Alliance Letter to Senate Leadership on... Continue Reading
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Stealth Rescission: An Analysis of the Impact of the Secretary’s July 2020 Memorandum on DACA

August 13, 2020
On July 28, 2020, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a memorandum detailing several significant changes to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA. This memorandum reduced renewals to one-year, expressly prohibited the adjudication of initial requests and advance paro... Continue Reading
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Presidents’ Alliance and Member Comments on CARES Act Financial Grants

July 13, 2020
On July 13, 2020, the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, TheDream.US, and the Community College Consortium for Immigrant Education (CCCIE) submitted a comment in response to the U.S. Department of Education’s (Department) interim final rule Eligibility of Students at Instit... Continue Reading
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Template for Institutions to Submit Comment for Emergency Financial Grant Rule

July 1, 2020
We partnered with Community College Consortium for Immigrant Education and TheDream.US to create Higher Education Template Comment for CARES Act Emergency Grant Exclusions, a new template that your institution can utilize to submit a comment in response to the U.S. Department of Education propose... Continue Reading
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WEBINAR: How to Create Non-Employment Based Fellowships and Other Funding Opportunities for Undocumented Students

April 30, 2020
This in-depth webinar helped college administrators and faculty explore options to create non-employment-based fellowships and other funding options for undocumented students. Speakers addressed support for undocumented students, funding options, research and teaching fellowship structures, inter... Continue Reading
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Report: Undocumented Students in Higher Education: How Many Students are in U.S. Colleges and Universities, and Who Are They?

April 15, 2020
On April 16, 2020, we partnered with New American Economy to release the first full analysis of how many undocumented students are pursuing higher education in the United States: Undocumented Students in Higher Education: How Many Students are in U.S. Colleges and Universities, and Who Are They? ... Continue Reading
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WEBINAR: COVID-19 Briefing: How International & Immigrant Populations in Higher Education are Impacted, What Campuses Leaders Need to Know

March 27, 2020
This one-hour briefing featured immigration, legal, and policy experts who addressed the legal and regulatory issues impacting international students, scholars and others in higher education, outstanding questions for campuses, and the impact of recent government immigration-related actions in th... Continue Reading
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WEBINAR: Higher Education and Immigration Public Charge: What Colleges Need to Know

March 20, 2020
Now that the new federal regulation on immigration public charge is taking effect, college and university administrators are scrambling to answer questions from students, faculty and other staff about how the new rule will affect them. This timely, informative webinar will provide a basic overvie... Continue Reading
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WEBINAR: Alternative Income and Career Options for Undocumented Students: How Colleges Can Help

March 6, 2020
This March 4, 2020 webinar was designed specifically for campus staff and faculty who want to understand and explore the career, income and funding options open to undocumented students and alumni who may not have work authorization. Undocumented people without DACA or TPS can have a career and e... Continue Reading
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Higher Education and the Census Projections—How the Future of Colleges and Universities Is Tied to Immigration Policy and Flows

February 25, 2020
William Frey’s recent report, Reducing immigration will not stop America’s rising diversity, Census projections show, which analyzes the new census projections for the next 40 years, is a must-read for higher education leaders. Frey’s analysis shows that a reduction in immigration flows will not ... Continue Reading
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WEBINAR: Alternative Income and Career Options for Undocumented Students

February 25, 2020
This recorded webinar is geared for students and alumni who may not have DACA or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and for those who do hold these statuses but worry that it might end. No matter what comes, there are options! On campus, you may be eligible for research, learning or teaching fellow... Continue Reading
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Bipartisan Congressional Letter to Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf Encourages Expansion of HSAAC Outreach

February 11, 2020
On February 11, 2020, 51 Representatives from both sides of the aisle submitted a letter to Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf to encourage the expansion of the Homeland Security Academic Advisory Council's outreach. See below the link to the letter. Letter to Acting Homeland Sec... Continue Reading
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Quick Guide to Immigration Issues on Campus – 2020

January 6, 2020
Below, we share a one pager by Dan Berger and Stephen Yale-Loehr providing an overview of immigration issues on campus for 2020. Quick Guide to Immigration Issues on Campus - 2020 Continue Reading
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Expanding Eligibility for Professional and Occupational Licensing for Immigrants

December 30, 2019
In September of 2019, the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration; FWD.us, Niskanen Center, TheDream.US, and United We Dream released a groundbreaking report that urges Congress and state legislatures to expand access to professional, business, and commercial licenses (also known... Continue Reading
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Presidents’ Alliance and Member Comments on Increased Immigration Fees

November 27, 2019
Below, we share comments authored by Presidents' Alliance members in response to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) proposed rule Fee Schedule and Changes to Certain Other Immigration Benefit Request Requirements (Docket No. USCIS-2019-0010). The deadline for institutions to submi... Continue Reading
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Fiscal Policy Institute, Presidents’ Alliance File, and Partners File Amicus Briefs in Public Charge Litigation

September 16, 2019
Led by the Fiscal Policy Institute and the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration (Presidents’ Alliance), 11 economic, immigration, and research organizations filed amicus briefs in five different district court cases; the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals; the Ninth Circuit Court... Continue Reading
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Public Charge Regulation on the Way

July 24, 2019
The administration’s proposed public charge regulation is currently at the Office of Management and Budget, indicating that the final regulation will soon be published in the federal register. The public charge group would define the use of a variety of benefits, including nutrition, housing, and... Continue Reading
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Steering Committee Letter to Senate on Protecting Dreamers and TPS & DED Holders

July 10, 2019
The Presidents' Alliance Steering Committee transmitted a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives containing its vote recommendation, which urges the House to vote for passage of the bill and against negative amendments. Steering Committee Letter to Senate Urging it to Protect Dreamers and T... Continue Reading
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USCIS Releases Updated DACA Data and Statistics as of April 30, 2019

July 2, 2019
Last month, USCIS released a variety of data and statistics regarding the DACA population, among other things, these statistics included, as of April 30, 2019. Number of pending DACA requests; Number of DACA recipients; Number of current DACA recipients; Demographic information for current ... Continue Reading
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The Dream and Promise Act and Implications for Higher Education

June 17, 2019
By Jailene Acevedo and Jose Magaña-Salgado Last week, in a historic vote, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Dream and Promise Act, H.R. 6, which would provide a roadmap to citizenship for upwards of approximately 2.5 million immigrant youth known as Dreamers (including Deferred Action... Continue Reading
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Steering Committee Vote Recommendation on the Dream and Promise Act of 2019

June 3, 2019
The Presidents' Alliance Steering Committee transmitted a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives containing its vote recommendation, which urges the House to vote for passage of the bill and against negative amendments. Steering Committee Letter Vote Recommendation on the Dream and Promise ... Continue Reading
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Presidents’ Alliance Steering Committee Letter in Support of Dream Act of 2019 and SECURE Act

April 24, 2019
The Presidents' Alliance Steering Committee transmitted a letter to the U.S. Senate supporting the Dream Act of 2019 and the SECURE Act and urging their immediate passage. For the text of the letter, see below. Steering Committee Letter in Support of Dream Act of 2019 and SECURE Act April 2... Continue Reading
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Migration Policy Institute Fact Sheet on Number of Dreamers Graduating from High School

April 24, 2019
On April 24, 2019, the Migration Policy Institute (MPI) released a new fact sheet: How Many Unauthorized Immigrants Graduate from U.S. High Schools Annually? The research was commissioned by the Presidents’ Alliance. Fact Sheet on Immigrants Graduating from High School Continue Reading
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USCIS Releases Updated DACA Data and Statistics as of Jan. 31, 2019

April 18, 2019
Earlier this month, USCIS released a variety of data and statistics regarding the DACA population, among other things, these statistics included, as of January 31, 2019: Number of pending DACA requests; Number of DACA reciepts; Number of current DACA recipients; Demographic information for ... Continue Reading
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A Successful First National Convening for the Presidents’ Alliance

April 4, 2019
On April 1, 2019, the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration held its first national convening in Washington, D.C. The Convening brought together college and university presidents and chancellors and other campus leadership from over forty institutions along with key pa... Continue Reading
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VIDEO: College Presidents with Undocumented Students Series #2: Eastern Connecticut State University

March 29, 2019
The College Presidents with Undocumented Students Series features college presidents who have worked with their students, staff, and faculty to build effective best practices for undocumented students on their college campuses. This series aims to build a culture across the higher education secto... Continue Reading
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Presidents’ Alliance Steering Committee Letter in Support of Dream and Promise Act of 2019

March 28, 2019
This week, the Presidents' Alliance Steering Committee transmitted a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives supporting H.R. 6, Dream and Promise Act of 2019 and urging its immediate passage. For the text of the letter, see below. Steering Committee Letter in Support of Dream and Promise A... Continue Reading
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FAQ: Non-Employment-Based Educational Funding Opportunities

March 27, 2019
This FAQ details the process of establishing fellowships and grants available to all students, regardless of immigration status, at higher education institutions. Download the documentation. Continue Reading
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Audio Recording for Presidents’ Alliance Briefing on Dream and Promise Act

March 21, 2019
On March 14, 2019, the Presidents' Alliance held a telephonic briefing for members to provide an overview, analysis, and next steps regarding H.R. 6, the Dream and Promise Act of 2019. The briefing included partners from FWD.us and a Deferred Enforced Departure recipient and PhD student, Yatta Ki... Continue Reading
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Presidents’ Alliance Commends Rep. Roybal-Allard’s Introduction of the Dream and Promise Act of 2019

March 12, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 12, 2019 CONTACT: Jose Magaña-Salgado, jose@masadc.com   Presidents’ Alliance Commends Rep. Roybal-Allard’s Introduction of the Dream and Promise Act of 2019 Bill Would Establish Roadmap to Citizenship for Dreamers and Temporary Protected Status Holde... Continue Reading
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Statement for the Record for House Judiciary Committee Hearing on Dreamers and TPS

March 5, 2019
On March 6, 2019, the House Judiciary Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives held a committee hearing on Protecting Dreamers and TPS Recipients. As part of this hearing, the Committee heard from a diverse panel of witnesses outlining the urgent need to enact permanent protections for Drea... Continue Reading
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Joint Statement of Support for Higher Education Dream Act of 2019

February 15, 2019
For Immediate Release: February 15, 2019 Contact: Jose Magana-Salgado jose@masadc.com Today, the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, TheDream.US, NAFSA: Association of International Educators, National Association for College Admission Counseling, and the Community Colle... Continue Reading
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Presidents’ Alliance Urges Congressional Leadership to Come Together to Resolve DACA and TPS Crisis

February 5, 2019
The Steering Committee sent a letter to Congressional leadership to request permanent protections for DACA recipients and TPS holders. Re: Permanent Legislative Protections for DACA Recipients and TPS Holders February 4, 2019 Representative Nancy Pelosi Speaker of the House United States H... Continue Reading
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The Presidents’ Alliance submits comment letter opposing the proposed “public charge” order

December 5, 2018
The Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration and the Community College Consortium for Immigrant Education submit joint comment letter opposing the proposed "public charge" order. The letter expands on ten grave concerns and issues for higher education. "As educators and leaders... Continue Reading
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Supporting Undocumented Students via Resource Centers: What Institutions can Learn from New Research and Best Practices

October 23, 2018
The Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, TheDream.US, and the UndocuScholars Project at UCLA co-sponsored this webinar presenting the findings of two new studies: “In Their Own Words, Higher Education, DACA & TPS: Results from a National Survey of TheDream.US Scholars;” a... Continue Reading
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Higher Education Leaders Call Proposed “Public Charge” Rule Harmful and Counterproductive for Immigrants and the Country

October 3, 2018
The Department of Homeland Security has proposed regulations that would penalize low-income immigrants, who receive or who are “likely to receive” public benefits, such as health, housing, and food assistance, that are critical to ensuring they enroll and succeed in higher education. Under the pr... Continue Reading
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Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration Expresses Dismay with the Administration’s New Refugee Ceiling, Urges Consultation with Congress and Increase in Cap to at least 75,000

September 20, 2018
Washington, D.C.—​ This week the Administration announced that the new FY2019 refugee ceiling will be set at 30,000. This is the lowest cap since the inception of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program in 1980, and woefully inadequate to meet the urgent needs of the global refugee crisis. At a time ... Continue Reading
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Presidents’ Alliance joined Catholic Legal Immigration Network and 300+ organizations to send a letter to DHS Secretary Nielsen urging Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Guatemala

July 25, 2018
Over 300 national, state, and local immigrant, religious, labor, and civil rights organizations sent a letter to Kristjen Nielsen, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, asking her to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Guatemala in light of recent environmental disasters. ... Continue Reading
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Presidents’ Alliance joined HACU and others to send a letter to Speaker of the House Ryan calling for legislation that supports Dreamers and protects family unity

June 21, 2018
Organizational Letter in Opposition to Border Security and Immigration Reform Act of 2018 (H.R. 6136) June 21, 2018 The Honorable Paul Ryan Speaker United States House of Representatives H-232, The Capitol Washington, D.C. 20515 Re: Opposition to Border Security and Immigration Refor... Continue Reading
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Media Release: Presidents’ Alliance calls the Executive Order on family separations “inadequate and misdirected”

June 21, 2018
The Executive Order issued yesterday that halted the Administration’s policy to separate children from their families was needed, but is inadequate and misdirected. It does not address the thousands of children who have already been separated from their families, and, indeed, its solution will le... Continue Reading
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FAQ: Employment Practices Regarding DACA Beneficiaries (For Higher Ed Institutions)

March 27, 2018
This FAQ provides information on Employment Authorization Documents and I-9s that enable non-citizen students, including those with DACA and F1 visas, to work. FAQs on Employment Authorization Continue Reading