WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) introduced the College Employment Accountability Act.
This legislation ensures that federally funded colleges and universities comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 by requiring E-Verify participation. It also strengthens cooperation between the Departments of Education and Homeland Security to enforce immigration laws. Rep. Erin Houchin (IN-9) is introducing the companion bill in the House.
Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) said, “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.”
Rep. Erin Houchin (IN-9) said, “Colleges and universities that knowingly hire illegal immigrants have no business receiving taxpayer money. The College Employment Accountability Act ends 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.”
Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) is an original cosponsor.
The College Employment Accountability Act would strengthen existing law by:
- Conditioning federal aid and student assistance to enhance compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986
- Mandating participation in the E-Verify Program for all federally funded institutions of higher education
- Ensuring cooperation between the Department of Education and the Department of Homeland Security to monitor institutional compliance with immigration law
Full bill text here.
Background:
As a Member of the House, then-Rep. Banks led the College Employment Accountability Act, while then-Senator JD Vance led in the Senate.
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