Coalition of University and College Presidents’ Statement on Introduction Of U.S. Citizenship Act

COALITION OF UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE PRESIDENTS’ STATEMENT ON INTRODUCTION OF U.S. CITIZENSHIP ACT
Bill contains critical reforms for international and undocumented students

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 18, 2021
Contact: Jose Magaña-Salgado (jose@presidentsalliance.org)

Washington, D.C.—Today, the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, comprised of over 500 presidents and chancellors of public and private colleges and universities, released the following statement in response to the introduction of the bicameral U.S. Citizenship Act: 

Miriam Feldblum, Executive Director, Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, stated: “Today’s introduction of the U.S. Citizenship Act represents a vital first step to providing long overdue relief and modernizing our nation’s immigration system. The bill contains crucial higher education priorities, especially as they impact immigrant students, including DACA recipients, other Dreamers, TPS holders, and their families. The bill also sends a much-needed welcome signal to our international students, scholars, and alumni. We applaud the legislation’s provisions that provide an expedited path to citizenship for Dreamers; expand dual intent for international students; repeal barriers for states seeking to offer in-state tuition to immigrant students; and expand access for some international students to obtain permanent status. While we work with Congress for the bill’s passage, immediate relief is still urgently needed, and we therefore call upon the Biden-Harris administration to commit to providing protections for immigrant and international students using all tools. This includes support for inclusive relief in COVID-19 reconciliation legislation and continuing to utilize the administration’s executive authority to protect and fortify the rights of these Americans-in-waiting.” 

Read the Senate version of the legislation here and the House version here.

# #

The non-partisan, nonprofit Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration brings college and university presidents and chancellors together on the immigration issues that impact higher education, our students, campuses, communities and nation. We work to advance just immigration policies and practices at the federal, state, and campus level that are consistent with our heritage as a ‘nation of immigrants’ and the academic values of equity and openness. The Alliance is composed of over 500 presidents and chancellors of public and private colleges and universities, enrolling over five million students in 43 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico.