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

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, communities, and country. The Presidents’ Alliance, which is composed of more than 500 presidents and chancellors of public and private colleges and universities in 43 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico, works to advance immigration policies and practices that are consistent with our heritage as a “nation of immigrants” and the academic values of equity, openness, diversity, and inclusion. The following are our detailed recommendations for the 117th Congress on welcoming international students to U.S. higher education institutions in order to grow the U.S. economy and create jobs, prepare for the next global crisis, and strengthen national security. These recommendations are in addition to the Alliance’s legislative recommendations regarding immigrant students, including a roadmap to citizenship for Dreamers and other vulnerable populations, such as Temporary Protected Status holders, and refugee students.