H.R.2367 - College Employment Accountability Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2367, the College Employment Accountability Act, aims to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965. It seeks to prohibit institutions of higher education that employ unauthorized aliens from receiving federal student assistance or institutional aid. The bill also mandates that these institutions participate in the E-Verify Program to be eligible for Title IV programs under the Act.
Expected Effects
The bill's enactment would likely lead to stricter enforcement of immigration laws within higher education institutions. Colleges and universities would face increased scrutiny regarding their hiring practices. This could also affect the availability of federal funding for institutions found in violation.
Potential Benefits
- Discourages the employment of unauthorized aliens, potentially opening up employment opportunities for legal residents and citizens.
- Ensures compliance with existing immigration laws.
- Enhances the integrity of federal student aid programs by preventing misuse.
- Promotes a fair and legal workforce within higher education.
- May improve national security by reducing vulnerabilities associated with unauthorized employment.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could create administrative burdens and costs for institutions of higher education related to E-Verify implementation and compliance.
- May lead to discrimination or bias in hiring practices, even unintentionally.
- Could reduce the availability of certain skills or labor if unauthorized workers are displaced.
- May disproportionately affect institutions with diverse student and employee populations.
- Potential for increased operational costs for colleges and universities, possibly leading to higher tuition fees.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is complex. Congress has the power to regulate immigration and set conditions for federal funding under Article I, Section 8 (the Commerce Clause and the Spending Clause). However, the bill must be carefully scrutinized to ensure it does not violate equal protection principles or create undue burdens on institutions, potentially raising concerns under the Fifth Amendment's Due Process Clause.
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).