Leveraging the Positive Impacts of U.S. Higher Education as an Immigration Pathway

Leveraging the Positive Impacts of U.S. Higher Education as an Immigration Pathway: The Role of Foreign-born Campus Leaders and Faculty For at least the past two centuries and especially since the mid-1960’s, when the doors of U.S. academia were opened more widely to global talent as a result of immigration reform, foreign-born faculty and leaders1 with […]

Student Narrative: Zakayo K. Meshack

Refugee students and alumni in the U.S. share their experience and perspective. Current and former students from refugee backgrounds face a number of obstacles accessing higher education in the U.S. Here we share their experiences, their perspectives on a proposed university sponsorship initiative , and celebrate their contributions to U.S. campuses and communities. My name is Zakayo […]

Student Narrative: Atem James Maker

Refugee students and alumni in the U.S. share their experience and perspective. Current and former students from refugee backgrounds face a number of obstacles accessing higher education in the U.S. Here we share their experiences, their perspectives on a proposed university sponsorship initiative , and celebrate their contributions to U.S. campuses and communities. Originally from […]

Syrian Youth Empowerment: A College Access Program for Displaced Students

A Refugee-led Initiative and Effective Practice in Improving College Access for Displaced Students Syrian Youth Empowerment (SYE Initiative, Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that empowers youth in conflict zones by providing a path to higher education. Founded and led by Syrian refugees who experienced first-hand the challenges associated with continuing higher education both inside and […]

International Students and Post-study Work Opportunities In The U.S.: Necessary but Vulnerable

Countries that are top destinations for international students are able to attract global talent primarily due to a high-quality postsecondary education system, but also because of the availability of valuable post-study opportunities to gain practical training and professional experience. Such opportunities are critical for international students as a way to engage in experiential learning related […]

International Student Alumni: Clarisza Runtung

International Student Alumni: Clarisza Runtung In Their Own Words By Dorna Maryam Movasseghi Current and former international students live and work across the entire U.S., in large cities as well as small towns. Here we share the stories and journeys of individuals whose daily work in key areas contributes or will contribute to U.S. communities […]

Student Narrative: Agathe Mwehu

Refugee students and alumni in the U.S. share their experience and perspective. Current and former students from refugee backgrounds face a number of obstacles accessing higher education in the U.S. Here we share their experiences, their perspectives on the proposed university sponsorship initiative, and celebrate their contributions to U.S. campuses and communities. “My name is […]

Immigration and Racial Equity for Immigrant and International Students

As the U.S. and its campuses continue to pay greater attention to the longstanding impacts of racial and social injustice, there is also an increasing focus on how campuses are tying together racial equity efforts and immigration issues—areas that often intersect and can lead to cumulative marginalization for certain student groups. The growing attention to […]

5 Things to Know About Optional Practical Training (OPT) for International Students

Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows graduates to gain valuable hands-on experience and begin contributing their education and training to the U.S. immediately. More than a million students from around the globe attended universities to obtain their higher education degrees and without OPT many would have to leave the U.S. in order to use their skills […]

International Students and Immigrants in Medicine and Healthcare: Challenges and Barriers

The Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration hosted a webinar, International Students and Immigrants in Medicine and Healthcare: Challenges and Barriers, on May 26, 2021. International students and immigrants in the medical and scientific fields are a highly visible group in the U.S., from the corridors of medical schools and hospitals to research laboratories. Despite […]