Abstract
In this paper, I use a documentary research method to discuss details related to potential repercussions on the United States higher education of one of the most recent laws signed by President Trump. The Laken Riley Act, based on the killing of an American student by an illegal immigrant in 2024, was introduced on January 6, 2025, and signed by President Trump as a law on January 29, 2025. Given its emotional charge, it was passed with a substantial majority in both the House of Representatives (263:156) and in the Senate (64:35) The Act requires the Department of Homeland Security to arrest non-US nationals (aliens) who have committed a crime, including theft, burglary, but also shoplifting, over the amount of $100. In such cases said aliens can be deported based on admission of guilt without a court decision. The bill gives authority to state governments to sue federal agencies for immigration-related decisions, including but not limited to failures of the visa issuing federal agency to “fulfill requirements relating to inspecting individuals seeking admission into the United States…”. The law also limits the issuance of visas, including student visas to citizens of 13 countries, which refuse to accept their deported nationals, including China, India, Russia, and possibly Mexico. Considering that Indian students are almost 30 percent of the 1.1 million international student population in the US colleges and universities, followed by Chinese students, serious repercussions may be expected for US higher education, especially in the STEM-related graduate programs.
Presenters
Ivan NikolovProfessor, Leadership, Technology and Workforce Development, Valdosta State University, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
LAKEN RILEY ACT, LEGAL, IMPACT ON INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN USA
