The proposed changes could significantly impact higher education institutions across the country. By disqualifying colleges and universities that fail to comply with federal immigration laws from receiving federal aid, the bill pushes institutions to strictly verify the employment status of their hires. This could lead to increased resources being dedicated to compliance with E-Verify requirements, potentially reshaping hiring practices and the employee demographic in these institutions. The act's strict stipulations may also influence the financial stability of certain colleges relying on federal funds.
Summary
House Bill 2367, known as the College Employment Accountability Act, seeks to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 by prohibiting institutions of higher education that employ unauthorized aliens from receiving federal student assistance or federal institutional aid. The bill also requires these institutions to participate in the E-Verify Program, which is designed to verify the eligibility of employees to work in the United States. This legislation emphasizes accountability in college employment practices concerning immigration status and aims to ensure compliance with federal immigration laws.
Contention
The bill is likely to generate debate on several fronts, primarily regarding its implications for hiring practices and the treatment of unauthorized individuals within the workforce. Proponents argue that it reinforces the rule of law and promotes fair employment practices by ensuring educational institutions are not indirectly supporting unauthorized employment. However, critics may contend that the bill could disproportionately impact vulnerable populations and create barriers to education for individuals who, although unauthorized to work, are otherwise contributing to academia. The enforcement of such a bill raises questions about the balance between immigration policy and educational accessibility.
Legal Workforce Act This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to create an electronic employment eligibility confirmation system modeled after and to replace the E-Verify system, which allows employers and recruiters to verify the immigration status of individuals. The bill also mandates the use of such a system, where currently only some employers, such as those with federal contracts, are required to use E-Verify. The bill specifies documents that can establish an individual's identity and employment authorization. During the period starting when a job offer is made until three business days after hiring, the individual must attest to his or her employment authorization, and the employer or recruiter must attest that it has examined the individual's required documents. Employers shall reverify certain types of employees who were not previously verified using E-verify. The Social Security Administration shall notify employees if their Social Security number has been used multiple times in an unusual manner. DHS shall establish programs for blocking and suspending misused numbers. Employers that are required to use the verification system shall not be liable for any employment-related action based on a good-faith reliance on the information from the system. The bill establishes a phased-in participation deadline for different categories of employers, including agricultural employers. The bill increases civil penalties related to hiring individuals without work authorization. It also preempts state laws relating to hiring and employment eligibility verification, but states may use their authority of business licensing to penalize employers for failing to comply with the bill's provisions.
To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide that employment authorization is only available to aliens who are lawfully present in the United States, and for other purposes.
Relating to accountability of institutions of higher education, including educator preparation programs, and online institution resumes for public institutions of higher education.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.