Immigration Reform Issues

NAFSA continues to work to ensure an immigration policy that not only protects and enhances the ability of U.S. colleges, universities, and research institutions to benefit from international students, scholars, and those in specialty occupations, but that also presents a face to immigrants and nonimmigrants that reflects fundamental American values.

Legislation searchable on Library of Congress THOMAS Web site

Legislative Activity

June 12, 2008
NAFSA Testifies on Green Cards for STEM Degree International Students
On June 12, 2008, 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 at the "Hearing on the Need for Green Cards for Highly Skilled Workers."

July 18, 2007
DREAM Act Introduced as an Amendment
On July 17, Senators Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) and Richard Lugar (R-Ind.) introduced the DREAM Act as an amendment (SA 2237) to the Defense Department authorization bill (S. 1548). The DREAM Act would allow undocumented students to apply for permanent residency through a six-year process and restore state governments' authority to determine residency criteria for in-state tuition. The language of the amendment is not yet available online, but the language is the same as the original DREAM Act (S. 774) linked above.

June 28, 2007
Senate Immigration Reform Bill Shelved
On June 28, the Senate compromise comprehensive immigration reform bill was shelved when the Senate failed to obtain the 60 votes needed to limit debate on the bill and thereby avoid a filibuster.

June 8, 2007
Immigration Reform Stalls in Senate
On June 7, the comprehensive immigration reform bill was withdrawn from consideration in the Senate leaving the future of reform in doubt.

June 7, 2007
New Cantwell Amendment (S.A.1472) Eliminates Higher Education's H-1B Cap Exemption (118kb )
This amendment was not voted on before the comprehensive immigration bill was withdrawn from consideration in the Senate.

June 4, 2007
Senator Cantwell Amendment (S.A.1249) to Immigration Reform Bill (333kb )
Senator Cantwell has introduced an amendment to improve the employment-based provisions of the Senate comprehensive immigration reform bill.

May 31, 2007
Critical Two Weeks in the Senate- Take Action
After completing the first week of debate on the compromise comprehensive immigration reform bill, the Senate is on recess for the week following Memorial Day. The Senate will begin debate again on Monday, June 4. Votes on amendments to the bill will begin on Tuesday, June 5. Send a letter TODAY to urge your Senator to support fair and equitable comprehensive immigration reform that includes provisions that enhance U.S. competitiveness in international education.

May 25, 2007
Text of Senate Compromise Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill (1m )
The over 600 page Senate compromise comprehensive immigration reform bill (S. 1348) was agreed to by Democratic and Republican leaders.

May 24, 2007
International Education and Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Top four issues with the Senate compromise comprehensive immigration reform bill

May 22, 2007
International Student and H-1B Provisions
A summary of the international student and H-1B provisions in the Senate Compromise Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill

NAFSA's Immigration Statements

March 10, 2006
NAFSA Supports a Limited Exemption to Immigrant Intent

March 1, 2006
Immigration Reform and Attracting Foreign Talent

February 27, 2006
Immigration Reform Impacts International Education

View legislative and regulatory activity history