International students and scholars in the United States make significant contributions to campus learning, community diversity, and the economy. Those who return home to become leaders in their countries represent a reservoir of goodwill for the United States, perhaps our most underrated foreign-policy asset.
Below is the latest information on federal legislative or regulatory activity as it affects international student and scholar access, such as visa policy and immigration reform, as well as reports, surveys, and statistics related to international student exchange.
What's New
March 1, 2012
NAFSA Executive Director and CEO Marlene M. Johnson Appointed to Homeland Security Academic Advisory Council
February 21, 2012
State Department Announces Launch of New Visa Pilot Program in China
February 2, 2012
NAFSA Sends Letters to President Obama and Secretary Napolitano Supporting Policy Changes to Attract and Retain Foreign Talent
January 19, 2012
Obama Administration Takes Action to Increase Travel and Tourism
January 10, 2012
NAFSA Sends Letter Applauding Administration Action to Alleviate Family Separations in Green Card Process
December 19, 2011
Senator Bennet (D-Col.) Introduces Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Visa Act of 2011
December 16, 2011
Congress Drops Provision That Would Roll Back Cuban Family Travel and Remittance Regulations from Final Spending Bill
December 12, 2011
U.S. Supreme Court to Hear Case Challenging Arizona’s Anti-Immigrant Law
December 5, 2011
NAFSA Joins Amicus Brief in Suit Against Alabama's Anti-Immigrant Law
November 7, 2011
House Passes H.R. 3012, the Fairness for High Skilled Immigrants Act, 389-15; Sends Bill to Senate for Consideration
November 7, 2011
NAFSA Releases Statement Calling on President Obama to Lead a National Conversation on Immigration Reform
October 6, 2011
NAFSA Sends Letter to Attorney General Asking Him to Assert Federal Control of Immigration Law
September 19, 2011
NAFSA Sends Letter to DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano Thanking Her for the Study in the States Initiative
August 30, 2011
NAFSA Thanks President Obama for the New Immigration Enforcement Strategy
June 28, 2011
NAFSA Executive Director and CEO Submits Testimony to Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee Hearing on the DREAM Act
June 28, 2011
NAFSA Signs Onto American Council on Education Testimony to Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee Hearing on the DREAM Act
June 20, 2011
Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) Recently Introduced H.R. 2161, the Immigration Driving Entrepreneurship in America (IDEA) Act of 2011
May 2, 2011
NAFSA Requests TPS for Libya from the Department of Homeland Security
April 15, 2011
Measure to Fund the Remainder of Fiscal Year 2011 is Passed
Reports
| Legislative Activity |
April 29, 2010
Democratic Framework for Comprehensive Immigration Reform
A coalition of Democratic Senators released a framework called the Real Enforcement with Practical Answers for Immigration Reform (REPAIR) Proposal.
March 19, 2010
Immigration Reform Framework Announced
Senators Charles Schumer (D – N.Y.) and Lindsey Graham (R – S.C.) issued their long-anticipated framework for comprehensive immigration reform.
March 11, 2009
President Signs Bill that Increases Funding for Exchanges
June 12, 2008
NAFSA Testifies on Green Cards for STEM Degree International Students
John Pearson, Director of the Bechtel International Center at Stanford University, testified on behalf of NAFSA before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.
February 19, 2008
New International Student, Scholar Legislation Introduced
On February 14, Senators Norm Coleman (R-Minn.) and Jeff Bingaman (D-N.Mex.) introduced the America Competes Through International Openness Now Act of 2008 (S. 2653) to enhance U.S. competitiveness for international students, scholars, and business travelers.
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View legislative activity history 