If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the funding landscape for public colleges and universities. Institutions that offer lower tuition rates to non-citizens would face the loss of federal financial support, which could lead to budget shortfalls and increased tuition for other students. As a result, this could also impact the enrollment of non-citizens, potentially reducing diversity in these institutions and affecting their financial health, particularly in states where such practices are common.
Summary
House Bill 2374, titled the 'American Students First Act', seeks to amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. Its primary purpose is to prohibit federal financial assistance to public institutions of higher education that offer tuition at a reduced rate to non-citizens who are not lawfully present in the United States. The bill essentially implements stricter controls on how federal funds can be allocated to states based on the financial policies these institutions adopt concerning tuition and state-based financial aid for undocumented students.
Contention
The introduction of HB 2374 is likely to lead to contentious debates surrounding education access and immigration policy in the U.S. Proponents argue that it is a necessary step to prioritize American citizens in higher education funding. However, opponents assert that such measures may foster discrimination against immigrants and violate principles of equity in education. They stress that restricting financial assistance based on immigration status undermines educational opportunities and could deter talented individuals from pursuing higher education, which would harm society as a whole.
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.
21st Century Peace through Strength Act MAHSA Act Mahsa Amini Human rights and Security Accountability Act SHIP Act Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum Act Protecting Americans’ Data from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024 Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act FEND Off Fentanyl Act Fentanyl Eradication and Narcotics Deterrence Off Fentanyl Fight CRIME Act Fight and Combat Rampant Iranian Missile Exports Act
DIGNIDAD (Dignity) Act of 2023 Dignity for Immigrants while Guarding our Nation to Ignite and Deliver the American Dream Act of 2023 American Promise Act Transnational Criminal Organization Prevention and Elimination Act Protecting Sensitive Locations Act Dream Act Legal Workforce Act American Prosperity and Competitiveness Act H–2B Returning Worker Exception Act American Dream and Promise Act Border Security for America Act