S.1123 - College Employment Accountability Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1123, the College Employment Accountability Act, aims to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965. The bill seeks to prohibit institutions of higher education that employ unauthorized aliens from receiving federal student assistance or institutional aid. It also mandates that these institutions participate in the E-Verify Program to be eligible for Title IV programs under the Higher Education Act.
Expected Effects
If enacted, S.1123 would likely reduce the employment of unauthorized aliens at colleges and universities. This could shift employment opportunities towards legal residents and citizens. The bill would also increase administrative burdens on institutions of higher education due to E-Verify requirements and potential monitoring by the Department of Homeland Security.
Potential Benefits
- Ensures that federal funds are not used to support institutions employing unauthorized workers.
- May create job opportunities for legal residents and citizens in higher education.
- Strengthens immigration enforcement by requiring E-Verify participation.
- Could reduce potential strain on social services by discouraging unauthorized immigration.
- Promotes compliance with existing immigration laws.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May increase administrative costs for colleges and universities due to E-Verify implementation.
- Could lead to labor shortages in some areas if institutions rely heavily on unauthorized workers.
- May disproportionately affect institutions with diverse student and employee populations.
- Could face legal challenges regarding potential discrimination or due process concerns.
- May create a climate of fear and distrust on college campuses.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality is complex. Congress has broad power over immigration (Article I, Section 8). However, the bill's impact on higher education could raise concerns about federal overreach into areas traditionally regulated by states. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific individual rights outlined in the Bill of 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).