GOP senator threatens ‘real consequences’ if universities hire illegal immigrants
The College Employment Accountability Act is a new piece of legislation that aims to crack down on colleges and universities that hire illegal immigrants. Sponsored by Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., this bill would prevent schools that hire illegal immigrants from receiving federal student aid and other forms of federal funding.
According to Sen. Banks, “American jobs belong to Americans. Those who unlawfully hire illegal aliens undermine our workers and drive down wages. This commonsense bill finally adds real consequences to existing law and will help ensure taxpayer dollars don’t support colleges and universities that hire those in our country illegally.”
The College Employment Accountability Act would require universities that receive federal funding to participate in the E-Verify program to verify the legal status of their employees. It would also amend the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1986 to condition federal aid on how well the institution follows the law.
Rep. Erin Houchin, R-Ind., also voiced support for the bill, stating, “Colleges and universities that knowingly hire illegal immigrants have no business receiving taxpayer money. The College Employment Accountability Act puts an end to this abuse by requiring schools to follow the law or lose access to federal funds. If an institution can’t be bothered to verify the immigration status of its employees as is legally required, it shouldn’t receive the support of American tax dollars.”
The bill is a response to efforts in states like California, where the university system considered hiring students without legal documentation. Despite legal action and pushback, California Gov. Gavin Newsom ultimately vetoed legislation that would have allowed the hiring of illegal immigrants for campus jobs statewide.
The proposed legislation would task the Department of Education and the Department of Homeland Security with tracking and enforcing the law. This is not the first time Sen. Banks has taken action to regulate which universities receive federal funds, as he previously introduced a bill targeting schools that did not address encampments on their campuses during anti-Israel demonstrations.
Overall, the College Employment Accountability Act seeks to ensure that taxpayer dollars do not support colleges and universities that hire illegal immigrants. By implementing consequences for institutions that fail to comply with immigration laws, this bill aims to protect American workers and uphold the rule of law.
