On this page, you will find proposals surrounding issues related to undocumented students and parents, refugees, and asylees at colleges and universities.

S.3507 — Put American Students First Act

Sponsor: Sen. Cotton [R-AR]
Introduced: 12/16/2025
NASFAA Summary: would bar public colleges and universities from offering in-state tuition or any state-funded postsecondary education benefit (such as tuition waivers, scholarships, or grants) to individuals who are not lawful permanent residents. It rewrites existing federal law to require that these students be charged the out-of-state tuition rate. It directs institutions to verify every student’s immigration status annually through DHS’s SAVE system before providing any such benefits. If a school has already granted in-state rates in violation of the law, it must seek repayment of the difference plus interest and block the student from future enrollment until the balance is paid. The prohibition applies to both students who enroll after the enactment and to current students who are later found not to be lawful permanent residents.

H.R.2374 — American Students First Act

Sponsor: Rep. Mace [R-SC]
Introduced: 03/26/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would prohibit public colleges and universities from receiving any federal financial assistance if they offer in-state tuition or state-based financial aid to undocumented students. Institutions found to provide such benefits would lose eligibility for federal funding in the following fiscal year.

H.R.2367/S.1123— College Employment Accountability Act

Sponsor: Rep. Houchin [R-IN]
Sponsor: Sen. Banks [R-IN]
Introduced: 03/25/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would make institutions of higher education ineligible for federal student aid or institutional aid if they are found to employ unauthorized immigrants in violation of federal law. The bill would also require all such institutions to participate in the E-Verify Program – an online system that allows employers to verify the employment eligibility of their employees by checking their information against federal databases to ensure they are authorized to work in the United States – as a condition for receiving Title IV funds. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security would be responsible for monitoring institutions' compliance with E-Verify every six months and notifying the Department of Education within 10 days if an institution is either not participating in E-Verify or found in violation of immigration employment laws.

H.R.2204 — Unnamed

Sponsor: Rep. Langworthy [R-NY]
Introduced: 03/18/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: The bill would require institutions of higher education to report to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) if they become aware that a student holding an F-1 or J-1 nonimmigrant visa has participated in or endorsed activities supporting a foreign terrorist organization, as defined under 8 U.S.C. 1189. Upon determination by the Secretary of State, the student's visa must be revoked, and the Secretary of Homeland Security must initiate removal proceedings under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

H.R.746 — America First Act

Sponsor: Rep. Arrington [R-TX]
Introduced: 01/28/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would change eligibility for financial aid and federal benefit programs. The bill removes FAFSA eligibility for non-citizens, making them ineligible for federal student aid, including grants and loans. The bill would also prohibit access to federal benefits such as SNAP and Medicaid, as well as require proof of citizenship for WIC and school meal programs. These changes primarily affect non-citizen students by limiting access to financial aid and federal assistance programs.

Legislative Tracker Overview   |   Archive: Immigration Issues.