College Employment Accountability Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 26, 2025
Bottom line
This bill links federal financial aid eligibility for colleges and universities directly to their compliance with federal immigration employment laws and mandatory participation in the E-Verify system.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make institutions of higher education ineligible for federal student assistance and institutional aid if they violate immigration law by employing unauthorized aliens. It also mandates participation in the E-Verify Program for all institutions seeking to participate in Title IV federal student aid programs. Additionally, it requires the Department of Homeland Security to monitor E-Verify participation and immigration law compliance by these institutions and notify the Department of Education of any violations.
Proponents argue
Supporters would argue that this bill ensures federal taxpayer dollars, including student aid, do not indirectly support institutions that violate federal immigration laws by employing unauthorized workers. They would contend it promotes legal employment practices, strengthens border security efforts by closing loopholes, and ensures accountability for institutions receiving significant federal funding.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that this bill places an undue administrative burden on institutions of higher education, potentially leading to errors or delays in hiring, and could disproportionately affect certain student populations or institutions. They may also contend that linking immigration enforcement to higher education funding could disrupt educational access and institutional autonomy, diverting resources from academic missions to compliance monitoring.
The bill text is very short and straightforward, making it highly accessible for a quick read and understanding its core provisions.
Section 2, amending Part B of title I of the Higher Education Act of 1965 by adding new Section 124.
Prohibition on Federal Funds for Institutions Employing Unauthorized Aliens
This provision states that any institution of higher education found to be in violation of Section 274A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (which prohibits the employment of unauthorized aliens) will no longer be eligible to receive funds from Federal student assistance or Federal institutional aid under the Higher Education Act. This means colleges and universities that illegally hire undocumented workers would lose access to significant federal funding streams.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision ensures accountability for institutions receiving federal funds, aligning their employment practices with federal law and preventing taxpayer money from subsidizing illegal employment.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that the penalty is overly severe, potentially harming students and legitimate employees at an institution for the actions of a few, and could lead to significant disruption in the higher education sector.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the goal of immigration enforcement and legal employment with the potential for widespread disruption to higher education institutions and student access to financial aid.
Section 3, amending Section 487(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 by adding paragraph (30).
E-Verify Requirement for Title IV Eligibility
This section adds a new condition for institutions to be eligible to participate in federal student aid programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act. Specifically, it requires that institutions must participate in the E-Verify Program, a federal system that allows employers to electronically confirm the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees.
Section 4
DHS Oversight and Reporting on Compliance
This section mandates that the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) must monitor institutions of higher education every six months to ensure their participation in the E-Verify Program. Furthermore, DHS must notify the Secretary of Education within 10 days if an institution is found to be violating immigration employment law (Section 274A of the Immigration and Nationality Act) or if it is not participating in the E-Verify Program as required.