H.R.3913 - Putting American Students First Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 3913, the "Putting American Students First Act," proposes amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965. The bill aims to establish specific immigration and residency requirements for individuals participating in Federal TRIO programs. These programs provide assistance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would restrict TRIO program eligibility to U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, certain aliens with intent to become permanent residents, citizens of Freely Associated States, and those with CNMI Resident status. This change could reduce the number of individuals eligible for TRIO programs.
Potential Benefits
- Ensures that Federal TRIO program resources are prioritized for U.S. citizens and lawful residents.
- May lead to increased availability of resources for eligible American students.
- Could strengthen the focus on supporting American students in higher education.
- Potentially reduces strain on program resources by limiting eligibility.
- Reinforces existing immigration laws and residency requirements.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May exclude deserving students who are not U.S. citizens or lawful residents but could benefit from TRIO programs.
- Could decrease diversity within TRIO programs.
- May face legal challenges based on equal opportunity and access to education.
- Could negatively impact students from Freely Associated States and CNMI if misinterpreted or improperly implemented.
- May create additional administrative burden to verify citizenship and residency status.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is complex. Congress has broad authority over immigration and naturalization under Article I, Section 8. However, the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment may be relevant if the eligibility restrictions are deemed discriminatory. The bill does not appear to infringe on any other specific constitutional rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).