Issues

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Summary of Reconciliation’s Legalization and Higher Ed Provisions

September 14, 2021
Summary of Reconciliation’s Legalization and Higher Ed Provisions The 117th Congress is currently considering legislation that would modernize our nation’s immigration laws through the creation of a roadmap to citizenship and expansion of access to higher education for the segments of the nati... Continue Reading
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Book Launch & Conversation: America Calling: A Foreign Student in a Country of Possibility

September 14, 2021
The Presidents' Alliance held a conversation on September 14, 2021 to celebrate the launch of Dr. Rajika Bhandari’s new book, America Calling: A Foreign Student in a Country of Possibility. Dr. Bhandari is an international higher education expert and also serves as a Senior Advisor to the Pre... Continue Reading
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Statement for the Record for House Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship Hearing re: How Outdated U.S. Immigration Policies Push Top Talent to Other Countries

June 24, 2021
On June 23, 2021 the Presidents' Alliance submitted a statement for the record for the House Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship hearing regarding how outdated U.S. immigration policies push top talent to other countries. Statement for the Record for House Judiciary... Continue Reading
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Spring 2021 Unified Agenda: A Sneak Peek at Coming Federal Regulations

June 16, 2021
The Presidents’ Office of Management and Budget, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs has released the spring unified agenda for all agencies, which details proposed rules and regulations in the pipeline from Spring 2021 and gives us a glimpse of policy changes to come–especially as they ... Continue Reading
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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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Webinar – International Students and Immigrants in Medicine and Healthcare: Challenges and Barriers

May 26, 2021
On May 26, 2021, the Presidents' Alliance hosted a webinar, International Students and Immigrants in Medicine and Healthcare: Challenges and Barriers. International students and immigrants in the medical and scientific fields are a highly visible group in the U.S., from the corridors of medical s... 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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Comment in Response to USCIS’ Request for Information on Barriers to Benefits and Legalization

May 18, 2021
On May 18, 2021 the Presidents' Alliance of Higher Education and Immigration submitted a comment in response to USCIS' request for information regarding policies, regulations, and other guidance that functioned as obstacles to benefits and legalization. Comment in Response to USCIS' Request fo... Continue Reading
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Supporting Optional Practical Training in the Washtech case: The Important Perspective from U.S. Higher Education

May 4, 2021
This brief outlines the importance of Optional Practical Training (OPT) to colleges and universities, their students, and higher education in this country. It highlights the value of OPT as an important educational component to a student’s program of study, as a key complement to the classroom ex... Continue Reading
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Will the U.S. State Department be Prepared to Welcome International Students to the United States?

May 3, 2021
Higher education institutions, businesses, and policymakers are concerned about whether our consulates will be able to efficiently process F-1 and M-1 student and J-1 exchange visitor visas in time for the Fall 2021 academic term. COVID-19 has challenged our consulates abroad in unprecedented way... 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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Statement for the Record for Markup of the National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants (NO BAN) Act of 2021

April 13, 2021
On April 14, 2021, the House Judiciary Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives held a committee marking up the National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants (NO BAN) Act of 2021. In support of this hearing, the Presidents’ Alliance submitted its statement for the record, which... Continue Reading
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Action Alert Briefing: Will International Students Return in Fall 2021? A Vital Resource at Risk

April 7, 2021
On April 7, the Presidents' Alliance and NAFSA co-hosted an action alert briefing, "Will International Students Return in Fall 2021? A Vital Resource at Risk." The briefing discussed how visa processing delays and travel restrictions could significantly impact fall 2021 international student enro... Continue Reading
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Legislative Recommendations for Welcoming International Students: Policies to Grow the U.S. Economy and Create Jobs, Prepare for the next Global Crisis, and Strengthen National Security

April 5, 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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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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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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Letter to Secretary Mayorkas Regarding Recommendations on Domestic and International Students

February 9, 2021
Letter to Secretary Mayorkas Regarding Recommendations on Domestic and International Students Transmitted electronically February 9, 2021 The Honorable Alejandro Mayorkas Secretary U.S. Department of Homeland Security Nebraska Avenue Complex 3801 Nebraska Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 203... 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 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Regarding International Student Enrollment Flexibility

February 5, 2021
On February 5, 2021, the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration sent a letter to Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Tae Johnson Secretary regarding COVID-19 enrollment flexibility for first-time international students. Letter to U.S. Immigration... Continue Reading
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Letter to Secretary of State Blinken on International Students

February 1, 2021
On February 1, 2021, the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken about issues facing international students. Letter to Secretary of State Blinken on International Students Delivered electronically February 1, 2021 The... Continue Reading
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Letter to Acting DHS Secretary Pekoske on Issues Facing International Students

January 29, 2021
On January 29, 2021, we sent a letter to Acting DHS Secretary Pekoske on behalf of international students to address issues that they face. Letter to Acting DHS Secretary Pekoske on Issues Facing International Students Delivered electronically January 29, 2021 David Pekoske, Acting Secret... 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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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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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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Rapid Response Briefing: Proposed Rule to End Duration of Status for International Students and Exchange Visitors

October 8, 2020
This rapid response briefing addressed the proposed rule to end duration of status for F-1 international students and J exchange visitors and their families. The briefing covered the impact of the proposed rule, why it matters, and what campus leaders can do now. If finalized without change, the ... Continue Reading
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Higher Education “Talking Points” Template Comment for Proposed D/S Rule

October 7, 2020
The Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration and NAFSA developed a talking points template comment for higher education institutions for addressing the proposed DHS duration of status rule. If you have questions on strategy, require additional support, or want to share your final ... Continue Reading
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Fact Sheet: Proposed Regulation on the Change of Admission Period of F, J, and I Nonimmigrants from Duration of Status

September 27, 2020
The Presidents’ Alliance and the Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic at Penn State Law School developed the following fact sheet in response to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed regulation issued on September 25, 2020 that would establish fixed end dates on student and exch... 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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Letter on International Student Entry Eligibility Requirements to CBP Port Director

August 7, 2020
On August 7, 2020, the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration sent a letter to Port Director LaFonda Sutton-Burke to express our concern regarding U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) inspection process for new and returning international students through the Los Angeles I... Continue Reading
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Letter on Recommended Changes to Updated July 15, 2020 FAQs to Stakeholders Regarding Impact of COVID-19 on SEVP-Certified Schools and F and M Students

July 17, 2020
Recommended Changes to Updated July 15, 2020 FAQs to Stakeholders Regarding Impact of COVID-19 on SEVP-Certified Schools and F and M Students The Honorable Chad WolfActing SecretaryU.S. Department of Homeland SecurityWashington, D.C. 20528 Matthew T. AlbenceDeputy Director and Senior OfficialP... Continue Reading
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Policy Brief – International Students Affected by ICE COVID-19 Guidance for Fall 2020

July 10, 2020
We partnered with Professor Tom K. Wong to author this policy brief, International Students Affected by ICE COVID-19 Guidance for Fall 2020, estimating how many international students could potentially be affected by ICE's July 6, 2020 guidance for online enrollments. On July 6, 2020, in spite of... Continue Reading
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Talking Points for Higher Ed Institutions on ICE SEVP Guidance

July 10, 2020
The below representing talking points for higher ed institutions in response to the guidance released by the administration on international students. On July 6, 2020, in spite of a rebounding COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued guidance indicating that it wou... Continue Reading
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Template Letter and Messaging in Support of International Students and Scholars

July 10, 2020
In collaboration with several members of our Federal Policy Advisory Table and Legal Advisory Council, the Presidents’ Alliance developed this template letter for institutions of higher education to adapt and send to congressional delegations. The template covers the recent July 6, 2020 ICE SEVP ... Continue Reading
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RAPID RESPONSE BRIEFING: ICE’s SEVP Guidance for International Students and Higher Education

July 10, 2020
This rapid response briefing addressed the new and disturbing July 6th guidance and forthcoming rule by ICE, which includes preventing international students from continuing their study in the U.S.—and putting them at risk of deportation—if enrolled in all online classes or attending institutions... Continue Reading
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Letter on Recommendations for the Fourth COVID-19 Relief Package to Support International, DACA, and Undocumented Students

June 23, 2020
The Presidents' Alliance Steering Committee transmitted the following letter to leadership in Congress containing recommendations for the fourth COVID legislative package. Presidents' Alliance Letter on Recommendations for the Fourth COVID-19 Relief Package to Support International, DACA, and Un... Continue Reading
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Follow-up Letter to DHS and DOS with Recommendations on Visa Processing and OPT in Light of COVID-19 Crisis

June 16, 2020
The Presidents' Alliance Steering Committee transmitted a follow-up letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Department of State (DOS) containing recommendations regarding visa processing and Optional Practical Training (OPT). Presidents' Alliance Follow-up Letter to DHS... Continue Reading
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Quick Guide to Immigration Issues on Campus – 2020

June 15, 2020
Below, please find a resource, providing a resource by Dan Berger and Stephen-Yale Loehr outlining the key immigration issues affecting DACA recipients, international students, and other immigrant students. Quick Guide to Immigration Issues on Campus - 2020 Continue Reading
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Letter to the White House in Support of OPT and STEM OPT

June 5, 2020
The Presidents' Alliance transmitted a letter to the White House in support of Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT. Presidents' Alliance Letter to White House in Support of OPT and STEM OPT June 4, 2020 Donald J. TrumpPresident of the United StatesThe White House1600 Pennsylvania Av... Continue Reading
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Defending Optional Practical Training (OPT): Talking Points and Data

May 19, 2020
The Trump administration is considering measures to pause or end the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program for the F-1 Student Visa. The United States cannot afford to make such a consequential policy change. Our nation needs to attract the best minds to help get the U.S. economy back up and ... Continue Reading
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BRIEFING: COVID-19 Crisis and the Impact on International Populations in Higher Education and Beyond

May 12, 2020
This briefing featured immigration legal and policy experts who addressed the issues affecting international populations in higher education and beyond to the workplace due to the COVID-19 crisis. The briefing also featured the perspectives of senior campus leaders in a discussion moderated by on... Continue Reading
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2020 Directory of Presidents’ Alliance Advocacy for International Students

May 11, 2020
This page contains a list of the Presidents' Alliance advocacy efforts on behalf of international students. Duration of Status Advocacy D/S–Letter Requesting Extended Comment Period for New Proposed Duration of Status Rule (October 9, 2020) D/S–Rapid Response Briefing: Proposed Rule to End D... Continue Reading
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Letter to DHS and DOS with Recommendations on Visa Processing and OPT in Light of COVID-19 Crisis and Presidential Proclamation

May 6, 2020
The Presidents' Alliance Steering Committee transmitted a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Department of State (DOS) containing recommendations regarding visa processing and Optional Practical Training (OPT). Presidents' Alliance Letter to DHS and DOS re: Visa Pr... 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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Letter to DHS and DOS on Supporting DACA Recipients and International Students in Light of COVID-19

March 25, 2020
The Presidents' Alliance Steering Committee transmitted a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Department of State (DOS) containing recommendations to support Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and international students. Presidents' Alliance Le... Continue Reading
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Steering Committee Letter to Congress Supporting NO BAN Act

March 2, 2020
The Presidents' Alliance Steering Committee transmitted a letter to Congress expressing its qualified support for the NO BAN Act. Steering Committee Letter to Congress Supporting the NO BAN Act   March 4, 2020 U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 U.S. House of Representatives W... 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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Statement for the Record for Markup of the National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants (NO BAN) Act

February 11, 2020
On February 12, 2020, the House Judiciary Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives held a committee marking up the National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants (NO BAN) Act. In support of this hearing, the Presidents' Alliance submitted its statement for the record, which cont... 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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Toolkit for Colleges and Universities for Expanded Travel Ban

January 31, 2020
This resource and advocacy toolkit is geared for college and university campuses including campus immigration task forces, students, staff, faculty, and their families to share information and resources regarding the administration’s latest expansion of the travel ban, which goes into effect Febr... 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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Steering Committee Letter to Congress Supporting Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act of 2019

July 12, 2019
The Presidents' Alliance Steering Committee transmitted a letter to Congress expressing its qualified support for the Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act of 2019. Steering Committee Letter to Congress Supporting Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act of 2019 The Honorable Mitch M... 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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More than 65 U.S. Colleges and Universities Support Legal Challenge to New Unlawful Presence Policy

December 21, 2018
65 institutions of higher education and one higher education system Board, most of which are also member institutions of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, have signed onto an amicus brief filed today supporting a legal challenge to recent immigration policy changes reg... Continue Reading
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The Presidents’ Alliance submitted a comment letter on the proposed SEVIS fee increases

September 14, 2018
September 14, 2018 Comment Re: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Proposed Adjustment of Fees for the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, Docket No. ICEB-2017-0003 Submitted via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov Dear Ms. Snyder: The Presidents’ Allia... Continue Reading
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Presidents’ Alliance joined with other organizations to send a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee to express our deep concerns with recent USCIS policy changes

August 14, 2018
Coalition Letter to Senate Judiciary Letter on Concerning USCIS Guidance August 14, 2018 The Honorable Charles E. Grassley Chairman Committee on the Judiciary United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Dianne Feinstein Ranking Member Committee on the Judiciary Unite... Continue Reading
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Presidents’ Alliance submits Statement to the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration in support of international students

June 13, 2018
“Student Visa Integrity: Protecting Educational Opportunity and National Security” Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration June 6, 2018 Statement of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration The Presidents’ Alliance on Highe... Continue Reading
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Presidents’ Alliance submits comment letter to USCIS Director Cissna expressing deep concern over the proposed USCIS Memo: Proposed change to how DHS Counts unlawful presence for F, M, J visa holders

June 11, 2018
Letter to USCIS Director on May 10, 2018, Unlawful Presence Memorandum June 11, 2018 Mr. L. Francis Cissna Director U.S. Citizenship & immigration Services Department of Homeland Security 20 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20529 Dear Director Cissna, The Presidents’ A... Continue Reading
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Presidents’ Alliance joins other higher education organizations to submit a comment letter to the Department of State regarding proposed revisions to visa applications

May 24, 2018
Comment re: Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration (Form DS-260, OMB Control Number 1405-0185) and the Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Application for Nonimmigrant Visa (Form DS-160 and DS-156, OMB Control Number 1405-0182) M... Continue Reading
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FAQ: Higher Education Access and Undocumented Students

March 27, 2018
This FAQ provides an overview of differences in enrollment procedure for "international students" and undocumented students, and ways for administrators to be sensitive to undocumented student's needs. FAQs on Higher Education Access and Undocumented Students 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