US Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) has introduced a bill called “Enforcing Rule of Law on Campus Act,” which aims to withhold federal funding from any college or university that employs illegal immigrants on campus. The bill emphasizes that if these educational institutions wish to access federal funding, they must adhere to federal immigration law. Senator Blackburn asserts that hard-working American citizens should not be overlooked in favor of prioritizing illegal immigrants. Given President Biden’s open-border agenda and disregard for the rule of law, it becomes crucial for our educational institutions to play by the rules.
The legislation has garnered support from Senate co-sponsors, including Tom Cotton (R-AR), Josh Hawley (R-MO), and Mike Braun (R-IN). Cotton said, “Those who come into America illegally should be detained and then deported—not employed at colleges or universities. Our legislation will make sure schools that are effectively aiding President Biden’s open border polices do not receive a dime of federal funding.”
Similarly, Mike Braun highlighted the need to remove incentives for illegal immigration. He said, “We must do everything we can do to remove the incentives of illegal immigration, and stopping institutions that take federal funding from employing illegal immigrants is a no-brainer.”
The National Association of Scholars has endorsed this legislation, recognizing its importance in maintaining the integrity of immigration laws and ensuring fair treatment for all.
Section 274A of the Immigration and Nationality Act prohibits hiring illegal aliens while knowing their illegal status. The University of California previously considered allowing around 4,000 students without legal immigration status to have on-campus jobs but ultimately decided against it due to legal implications. Colleges and universities annually receive billions in direct federal funding through grants and contract agreements.
See the full text of the bill.