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.
America First ActThis bill limits the eligibility of certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) for various federal benefits and grants, makes permanent the child tax credit increase, and requires individuals to provide evidence of satisfactory immigration status prior to receiving specified benefits.The bill prohibits asylees, parolees, and individuals withheld from removal from receiving certain federal benefits, including Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), and Supplemental Security Income. The bill further restricts on the basis of immigration status benefits under federal health programs such as Medicare, emergency disaster relief, housing assistance, food assistance, early childhood assistance, student aid, and Community Development Block Grants.The bill also makes permanent the increase in the child tax credit set to expire at the end of 2025. In addition, this tax credit and the earned income tax credit are not available to asylees, parolees, individuals granted temporary protected status, individuals withheld from removal, individuals granted deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status, and non-U.S. nationals with employment-based immigrant visas.Federal aid is reduced for elementary and secondary education by 50% annually to jurisdictions that do not assist federal immigration enforcement actions (deemed sanctuary jurisdictions under the bill).The bill also removes statutory exemptions for Haitian entrants that allows such entrants to receive various aid.Certain benefits are prohibited, including Medicaid and SNAP, until an applicant’s satisfactory immigration status is proved.The bill prohibits tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organizations from using federal funds to support certain non-U.S. nationals.