Senators Coleman, Bingaman Seek to Restore U.S. Competitiveness for Students, Scholars, Business Travelers

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). The legislation aims to restore and enhance the competitiveness of the United States for international students, scholars, scientists, and exchange visitors, as well as facilitate legitimate business travel to the United States.

View Sen. Coleman's introductory remarks

View the ACTION Act bill text

This is an updated version of a similarly-titled bill the two Senators cosponsored three years ago. Once again, NAFSA staff worked closely with the Senators’ offices, offering critical input to the bill. The bill text reflects many of the recommendations outlined in NAFSA’s Legislative Agenda for the 110th Congress.

NAFSA members are encouraged to contact their Senators to cosponsor the bill. An action alert will be added to NAFSA’s Take Action Center soon. Be sure to register for ACT (the Advocacy Centered Team) to be notified when it’s time to ACT.

The legislation seeks to enhance U.S. competitiveness in the following ways:

• Establishes a U.S. government-led strategic plan to attract international students and scholars, as well as eminent scientists and exchange visitors to the United States.
• Removes the 214(b) non-immigrant intent provision for international students in the F visa category.
• Adds greater certainty and transparency to the visa security clearance process for scientists.
• Creates a “Trusted Traveler” program to allow for expedited visa review for frequent, low-risk visitors and for international students and scholars who have left the United States temporarily and are seeking a renewal to re-enter and continue their program.
• Allows for short-term study on B (tourist) visa.
• Amends Real ID provisions to allow legitimate international students, scholars, and exchange visitors to receive a driver’s license valid for the length of their approved activity.
• Provides "cap gap" status for international students who are changing from F-1 to H-1B status when the H-1B cap has been reached before the beginning of the next fiscal year.
• Restores state-side visa revalidation program for certain employment-based visas.

In addition to being endorsed by NAFSA, the bill is also supported by the National Foreign Trade Council, the premier business organization advancing global commerce, and by USA*Engage, a coalition of small and large businesses, agriculture groups and trade associations working to promote the benefits of U.S. engagement abroad.

The bill has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration. NAFSA and its partners supporting the bill will be actively seeking co-sponsors for the bill.