Dear Erica,
How nice to start this newsletter off with some good news! As you know, NAFSA and the U.S. for Success Coalition combined with grassroots advocates like you have been vocal in urging USCIS to resume adjudicating employment authorization for Optional Practical Training and H-1B applications for international students from travel ban countries. We succeeded in enlisting the support of a group of House Republicans late last month, and now the judiciary branch has weighed in. On June 5, a U.S. District Court judge ruled against several USCIS adjudication policies, including the so-called benefits hold that had thrown the future plans of thousands of international students into chaos. While we are heartened by this development, it remains to be seen if USCIS will comply with this directive. We also expect the government will appeal the decision. Visit NAFSA’s website for more information.
More good news came on June 8 when another U.S. District Court judge declared unlawful the $100,000 fee levied on the entry of new H-1B visa holders. The administration had created the fee via presidential proclamation last September. As described in this Forbes piece, the ruling represents a significant victory. Universities and nonprofit and government research institutes will now be able to hire individuals from outside the United States without paying the $100,000 fee, unless the judge’s ruling is stayed or overturned.
Another thing to be excited about: the U.S. for Success Coalition, of which NAFSA is a founding member, has created infographics to target congressional staff on LinkedIn that succinctly make the case for international students as in the United States’ best interest. The text has been carefully chosen to be succinct and in line with messaging that we know resonates with elected officials.
Help “teach” the algorithm that this content is important by sharing and interacting with recent posts on the U.S. for Success LinkedIn page. You’ll see graphics that convey Americans’ support for international students students, how international students benefit American students (here and here), and a short video of soundbites from tech leaders and politicians from both parties that tout international student contributions. Be sure to follow the U.S. for Success account to stay apprised of updates.
In the bad news department, the Office of Management and Budget published a proposed rule that would expand administration control over federal grants. As the Alliance for International Education (of which NAFSA is a member) explained, if enacted, the rule would give federal agencies broader authority to cancel existing grants and reject new ones if they determine the funding is not aligned with current law, executive orders, or agency priorities. More information about the proposed rule can be found on the American Council on Education’s website.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Thank you for reading.
Best,
Erica
Erica Stewart
Senior Director, Advocacy & Strategic Communications
NAFSA: Association of International Educators
