Louisiana House Bill HR66

Louisiana 2020 1st Special Session

• Introduced: 6/29/20
• Passed: 6/29/20

Caption

Urges and requests the members of the Louisiana Congressional Delegation to work with President Donald J. Trump and his administration on providing an exemption to the immigration ban for teachers on a J-1 visa

Impact

The resolution emphasizes the importance of French immersion education, which plays a critical role in the cultural and economic development of Louisiana. It highlights the positive educational outcomes associated with immersion programs, noting that these students typically achieve higher results on standardized tests than their peers. The bill points out the shortage of qualified immersion instructors in the United States and argues that granting J-1 visas will not displace American teachers but rather support the educational needs of students in Louisiana.

Summary

House Resolution 66, introduced by Representative Huval, seeks to urge the Louisiana Congressional Delegation to collaborate with President Trump and his administration to provide an exemption to the immigration ban specifically for teachers on J-1 visas. The resolution emerges from a recent proclamation by the President that suspends J-1 visa entries, which could prevent 73 teachers from teaching in Louisiana, significantly impacting over 2,200 students who rely on foreign language education.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR 66 appears to be supportive, particularly from those who recognize the benefits of foreign language education in enhancing cognitive flexibility and cultural awareness among students. Advocates for the resolution see it as a necessary intervention to maintain and grow the state's language immersion programs, which are seen as integral to Louisiana's cultural heritage and educational standards. However, there may also be concerns among opponents about immigration policy and its broader implications.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise surrounding the immigration issues tied to the J-1 visa, especially in the context of existing bans that aim to protect domestic job markets. While proponents emphasize the need for foreign teachers to fill gaps in language instruction, detractors could voice apprehensions about the potential implications for immigration policies, prioritizing domestic employment over foreign teacher initiatives. The resolution essentially calls for a balancing act between immigration concerns and the educational needs of the state's students.