MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

For Immediate Release                                          Contact: Tionee Scotland

April 11, 2025                                                           202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT SHARES UPDATE ON TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S PROPOSED FEES AT U.S. PORTS

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett shared the following update regarding President Trump’s executive order on the maritime industry:

“This week, President Trump announced an executive order which doubles down on previous tariff directives and provides a structure to move ahead with the administration’s Section 301 tariff actions which will impose significant port fees on maritime transport operators with fleets comprised of Chinese-built vessels. If the order comes into full effect, it will result in significant port fees on maritime transport operators servicing the United States Virgin Islands. The order also directs the U.S. Trade Representative to consider imposing fees on Chinese-built cranes and other cargo-handling equipment, an action which could affect almost every port in America.

“These actions will cause increased shipping costs, shipping delays and, in some cases, the wholesale termination of service by cargo carriers to impacted locations throughout the coast of the United States and especially places like the Virgin Islands.

“I am particularly concerned for coastal and island communities, including the Virgin Islands, where the imposition of these punitive measures will skyrocket costs of food and other everyday items that must be imported by the maritime industry.

“My team and I have been highly engaged with the Virgin Islands maritime industry, as well as stakeholders, including meeting with the ambassadors to the Caribbean nations, to track the implications of President Trump’s executive order on ship owners, operators, and builders.

“Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to question US Trade Relations Ambassador Jameison Greer during a Ways & Means Committee hearing and urged the ambassador to consider the practical impacts of tariff actions on the US outlying areas and ultimately reconsider these actions. Our communities would bear tremendous undue cost, which makes clear the need for an exemption. I am also leading a letter to USTR Ambassador Greer and the Administration to make the case for this exemption and underscore the impact of these fees on the Virgin Islands, which will permeate through the Caribbean region.

“Under the order, transport operators with fleets comprised of Chinese-built vessels will be charged up to $1.5 million per vessel entrance to an American port, as well as an ‘additional fee’ of up to $1 million per vessel entrance to an American port if the number of foreign-built vessels in the operator’s fleet is equal to or greater than 25 percent. Even vessels under the U.S. flag, operated and owned by a U.S. entity that are Chinese-built would be subject to the fees in USTR’s proposal. We continue to urge the Trump Administration to heed the feedback of elected officials, the maritime industry, and stakeholders even amidst the imposition of these actions that will have radically negative consequences for our corner of the American experience.

“I will continue to collaborate in a bipartisan manner with my colleagues, stakeholders, and the Virgin Islands community to advance the interests of the Virgin Islands.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman French Hill (AR-02)

RELEASE: REP. FRENCH HILL SUPPORTS CRITICAL BUDGET RECONCILIATION BILL ADVANCING FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND PRO-GROWTH REFORMS

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa released the following statement after he voted against Congressional Republicans’ reckless budget resolution, H.Con.Res 14, which would establish the congressional budget for the federal government for Fiscal Year 2025.“In less than 100 days, President Trump and Republicans have created economic chaos. Trump’s tariffs are driving up costs, crashing the stock market, and squeezing the pocketbooks of Americans. Now, Republicans are gutting Medicaid, SNAP, and other critical lifelines with the biggest cuts in history. I voted against this reckless budget resolution because turning our backs on America’s safety isn’t leadership, it’s cruelty. I won’t stop fighting back.” said Congressman Costa.BACKGROUNDCongressional Republicans passed a budget resolution that unlocks the next step in the budget reconciliation process and will allow committees in both the House and the Senate to begin drafting legislation to meet their targets, but Republicans long ago leaked their menu of options.

Energy and Commerce Committee to cut at least $880 billion, which will lead to deep cuts to Medicaid – impacting 456,532 Medicaid enrollees in Costa’s district, and over 1.8 million enrollees in the San Joaquin Valley. 
Agriculture Committee to cut at least $230 billion from nutrition assistance, which would cause over 131,000 people in Costa’s district to lose SNAP/food stamps. 
Oversight and Reform Committee to cut at least $50 billion, which would endanger government employee retirement benefits and further cut the federal workforce. 
Education and Workforce Committee to cut at least $330 billion targeting student loan programs, income-driven repayment, Pell grants, and school meals. 
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to claw back $10 billion under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, preventing further investments in the San Joaquin Valley and California.  

This also instructs the House Ways and Means Committee to approve tax cuts of $4.5 trillion over 10 years, while raising the deficit without accountability.
The Yale Budget Lab found that the bottom 40 percent of Americans would see their costs go up and 70 percent of the benefits from the Republican budget would go to the richest 5 percent.  According to data from the House Budget Democrats, over 1.8 million people across the San Joaquin Valley depend on Medicaid – that’s larger than the state of West Virginia’s entire population.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (21st District of New York)

ICYMI: Stefanik Joined Fox News The Story to Discuss Safeguarding American Elections and Joining President Trump in Holding Columbia University Accountable | Press Releases | Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

April 11, 2025

Washington, D.C.- Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Levin (CA-49), Brian Mast (FL-21), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-1), and Jen Kiggans (VA-2) reintroduced the bipartisan Resilient Coasts and Estuaries Act, which would revitalize federal efforts to strengthen and protect lagoons and estuaries. This bill would reauthorize and enhance the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP) and require the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to work toward designating five new National Estuarine Research Reserves and to enhance the Reserve System.

Congress established the CELCP to provide grants to state and local governments to protect coastal and estuarine areas deemed to have conservation, recreation, ecological, historical, or aesthetic value. This program supports locally driven efforts to protect coastal and estuarine lands for conservation, research, and recreation. CELCP’s authorization expired in fiscal year 2013 and other federal funding mechanisms ran out in 2017.

The Resilient Coasts and Estuaries Act would revive funding for CELCP at $60 million per year and expand the eligibility for program to include nongovernmental organizations. The bill would prioritize funding for projects in communities that lack resources for coastal hazards, areas threatened by climate change, and areas that might help mitigate the effects of environmental changes through blue carbon storage.

The Resilient Coasts and Estuaries Act would also support and expand the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS), which the Tijuana River Estuarine Research Reserve is a part of. The NERRS is a network of 30 coastal sites covering 1.4 million acres designated to protect and study estuarine systems. The Reserves specialize in research and data monitoring to support conservation and management efforts locally and around the country.

“As the proud representative of a coastal community, I know the critical role lagoons and estuaries play in safeguarding against environmental hazards and enhancing our local economy,” said Rep. Levin. “This bill restores a common-sense measure to protect coastal and estuary habitats. As we continue to find creative solutions to combat coastal erosion and rising sea levels, and protect our environment, I’m eager to work with my colleagues on this bipartisan bill to advance this priority for our communities.”

“Healthy estuaries are important to thriving coastal communities and a robust economy,” said Rep. Bonamici. “This bipartisan effort to conserve and rehabilitate these vital ecosystems will improve resilience along our country’s waterways and coasts, and I thank my co-sponsors for their support.”

“Coastal Virginia is blessed to be home to a large network of estuaries and other wetlands that act as critical barriers against hurricanes, tropical storms, and other natural disasters,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “Through this important legislation, we can provide state and local governments the resources they need ensure these lands in southeast Virginia and around the country are protected. I’m proud to join my colleagues on this bipartisan effort to preserve our wetlands and support our coastal communities!”

“Estuaries are an essential part of our community. The problems facing the Indian River Lagoon, Caloosahatchee, St. Lucie, and Lake Worth Lagoon have shown repeatedly that our work to protect and restore our waterways is not over,” said Rep. Brian Mast. “I’m proud to support the bipartisan Resilient Coasts and Estuaries Act to reauthorize a successful program that allows us to better safeguard our coastal environments for future generations to come.”

“With over 80 percent of America’s population living in coastal states, millions of hunters and anglers rely on coastal habitats to support recreational passions and economies. The Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program and the National Estuarine Research Reserve System have provided vital state and local stewardship for these habitats, safeguarding at-risk ecosystems and promoting public access for all. The TRCP is proud to support the bipartisan Resilient Coasts and Estuaries Act, and we commend Reps. Levin, Mast, Bonamici, and Kiggans for working to reauthorize common-sense conservation funding,” said Joel Pedersen, President and CEO, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

“Surfrider applauds Representative Levin and the introduction of this bill to establish a Coastal and Estuarine Resilience and Restoration Program. For too long our shorelines and coastal wetlands have been overlooked as critical natural defenses against climate change. This bill will help bolster the resilience of vulnerable coastal ecosystems and communities from the impacts of sea level rise and climate change while protecting the rich habitats and wildlife that they support,” said Zach Plopper, Sr, Environmental Director, Surfrider Foundation

“We welcome the reintroduction of the Resilient Coasts and Estuaries Act which reauthorizes critical programs that will increase conservation of coastal land, improve estuarine data and research, and provide more public access and recreational opportunities in an era of massive coastal change. By balancing the protection, conservation, responsible use, and sustainable economic development of America’s coasts and ensuring every state can manage its own coastal zone, coastal communities and habitats can thrive into the future.” said Derek Brockbank, Executive Director of Coastal States Organization.

“Thank you to Representatives Levin, Mast, Bonamici and Kiggans for their leadership; they know that as the challenges facing our coasts intensify, we need strong, effective programs that protect people, places, and economies,” said Rebecca Roth, director of the National Estuarine Research Reserve Association (NERRA). “The National Estuarine Research Reserve System and the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program are time tested initiatives that consistently meet coastal community needs with training, science, data, education, land protection and more. Reauthorization of these programs will ensure they remain a cornerstone of our national policy, a value added for states, and a direct benefit to local communities and economies for generations to come.”

“Healthy estuaries support our coastal communities and serve as nurseries and feeding grounds for birds, fish, and other wildlife,” said Romaric Moncrieffe, marine conservation policy manager at the National Audubon Society. “The Resilient Coasts and Estuaries Act will fund the essential federal programs that protect coastal habitats from threats like sea-level rise, flooding, and erosion.”

The bill would provide support for several estuary habitats in the 49^th District and Southern California, including the San Mateo Lagoon, San Luis Rey River, and San Elijo Lagoon. Additionally, the bill would provide support to the Tijuana River Estuarine Research Reserve, which supports ecosystem management and the cleanup of the Tijuana River Valley.

The Resilient Coasts and Estuaries Act is endorsed by the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Coastal States Organization, National Estuarine Research Reserve Association, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Surfrider Foundation, Oceana, National Audubon Society, American Sportsfishing Association, National Wildlife Federation, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA), American Shore & Beach Preservation Association, Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.), American Fisheries Society, North American Falconers Association, International Game Fish Association, Land Trust Alliance, Wild Salmon Center, and Angler Action Foundation.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter introduces bill preventing unnecessary animal testing

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today introduced the FDA Modernization Act 3.0, alongside bipartisan colleagues Reps. Nanette Barragán (D-CA), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), and Troy Carter (D-LA), a bill directing the FDA to fully implement provisions intended to reduce unnecessary animal testing for drug development. 

This bill will require FDA to fully implement the FDA Modernization Act 2.0, signed into law in 2022, ensuring that safe and effective treatments are developed for patients using advanced and innovative non-animal testing methods.

“It is inhumane to rely solely on animal testing of medical products when other, harmless methods exist that are more predictive of human outcomes. The FDA Modernization Act 2.0, and recent actions by the Trump administration, have paved the way for modernizing FDA’s testing methods. This bill will put these wins into practice, accelerating innovation and getting safer, more effective drugs to market quickly by cutting unnecessary red tape,” said Rep. Buddy Carter.

“The FDA Modernization Act of 2021 was a monumental win that will streamline drug development and spur innovation without having to sacrifice at the expense of animal welfare,” said Rep. Vern Buchanan. “I look forward to building upon that success with Congressman Carter and ensuring the FDA follows through on delivering speedier cures for diseases without subjecting animals to inhumane and counterproductive experiments.”

“The FDA’s outdated animal testing rules are harming animals, hurting patients, and stalling medical innovation,” said Rep. Diana Harshbarger. “The FDA Modernization Act 3.0 will cut burdensome red tape to allow drug manufacturers to use modern and more humane alternatives to improve safety for animals and patients alike. As a compound pharmacist for more than 30 years, I understand that ensuring East Tennesseans have affordable access to safe medicines is of the utmost priority, and this bill is a step toward delivering safe medicines in a more humane way.”

“This bill will transform drug development for the 21st century. By requiring full implementation of the FDA Modernization Act 2.0, this legislation ensures that advanced, human-based testing methods are actively adopted in the drug development process. It’s a win for patients, a win for innovation, and a win for animal welfare. I’m proud to be join this bipartisan measure to accelerate safer, more humane, and more effective medical breakthroughs,” said Rep. Troy A. Carter, Sr.

Read full bill text here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02)

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) and Congressman Marc Veasey (D-TX) announced the introduction of the bipartisan and bicameral Youth Sports Facilities Act. This bipartisan bill amends Title II of the Public Works and Economic Development Act to add Youth Sports Facilities to the list of eligible uses of Economic Development Assistance grants. This will help build and improve youth sports facilities across the nation, increase tourism, and strengthen small business.

After introducing this bipartisan legislation, Congressmen Huizenga and Veasey released the following statements:

“The Youth Sports Facilities Act is a bipartisan solution designed to bring communities together, create economic opportunity, and improve the physical and mental well-being of students across the nation,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “For too long, an area code has determined whether students could have access to facilities or resources necessary to participate and compete. I am proud to champion the Youth Sports Facilities Act because it opens the doors for communities across Michigan and around the country to create new opportunities for children to develop critical skills, enhance local tourism, and foster small business growth.”

“Youth development is about more than academics—it’s about access to safe spaces where kids can play, grow, and thrive,” said Congressman Marc Veasey, Co-chair of the Youth Sports Caucus. “This bill empowers states like Texas to invest in the sports and recreation facilities our communities need. By unlocking EDA funding, the Youth Sports Facilities Act gives underserved areas the tools to build healthier futures and stronger local economies. I’m proud to work with my colleagues to make this long-overdue investment in our kids and neighborhoods.”

The companion bill has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Todd Young (R-IN).

“Georgia families deserve modern and safe sports facilities where their kids can play, grow, and thrive,” said Sen. Ossoff. “This bipartisan bill will help Georgia communities expand youth sports facilities, strengthen local economies, and foster mental and physical health for the next generation.”

“Youth sports play a vital role in promoting healthy lifestyles from an early age while teaching essential life skills like teamwork and discipline. This bill would empower communities to use existing grant resources to improve youth sports facilities for children living in areas of need, encouraging greater youth sports participation across the nation,” said Sen. Young.

 

This legislation is also endorsed by several national and local stakeholders.

“As the leading nonprofit provider of youth sports programs, YMCA of the USA supports the Youth Sports Facilities Act. Youth sports facilities often lead to growth in local economies as families attend sporting events, support local business, hotels and restaurants. Youth sports programs create a space for families and the community to belong, improve health outcomes and strengthen the fabric of the economy and the community.” Jeffrey Britt, Chief Government Affairs Officer, YMCA of the USA

“The Youth Sports Facilities Act will provide a new federal funding opportunity through the Economic Development Administration for municipalities like Portage to develop safe, accessible recreation facilities for the next generation to help strengthen and connect our community,” said Mayor Patricia Randall, City of Portage, Michigan. “I applaud the bipartisan leadership in Congress for reintroducing this important legislation prioritizing children’s health while spurring economic investments within communities.”

“Because we see firsthand the role sports can play in shaping young people and growing communities, Pop Warner fully supports the re-introduction of the Youth Sports Facilities Act. By expanding the Economic Development Assistance grant program to include investments in youth sports facilities, this bill will ensure every community has the resources it needs to create safe and accessible sports environments. We urge you to pass this bill, investing in our children’s futures and in the well-being of our communities.” Steve Strawbridge, President & CEO, Pop Warner Little Scholars

“The West Michigan Sports Commission was founded in 2007 as an economic generator to spur visitor spending for the region. One of its key tenets is generating overnight stays from event visitors, which drives spending in area hotels, restaurants, and support of other businesses, sustaining and creating jobs.  However, sports tourism and investment in sport facilities goes beyond these metrics. Investment in sport infrastructure provides a launching pad for health and wellness, vibrancy, and community activity and access to sport.” Mike Guswiler, President, West Michigan Sports Commission

“The access barrier to sports participation keeps America’s youth off the playing field and denies them the opportunity to realize the mental & physical health benefits and develop the social skills so important to a child’s development.  SFIA fully endorses the Youth Sports Facilities Act to give communities the resources needed for investments in youth sports facilities to lower the access barrier to participation.” Todd Smith, President & CEO, Sports & Fitness Industry Association 

 

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how physical activity in communities plays a significant role in mental and physical health, especially among children. However, children who could not participate in these activities due to a lack of access to sports facilities had worse outcomes.

For example, studies show that children playing sports can reduce anxiety and depression, ultimately saving the health system billions. Moreover, participation in youth sports could reduce cases of weight-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, and cancers in children.

The Economic Development Administration was created to assist state and local stakeholders with developing the conditions and amenities to grow businesses, create jobs, and expand investment in economically distressed areas. Allowing communities to access federal grants to build youth sports facilities will lead to better health outcomes for future generations of children. Not only do youth sports encourage athletic growth and teamwork, but they also create significant economic impact by attracting events and visitors to the community.

The Youth Sports Facility Act is supported by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, the YMCA, the National Federation of High Schools, the American College of Sports Medicine, U.S. Soccer, the NHL, the PWHL, USA Hockey, Pop Warner Little Scholars, the Michigan Sports Commission, and the National Recreation and Parks Association.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, DC –  Today, U.S. Representatives Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Tim Kennedy (NY-26), and Grace Meng (NY-06) led a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Senior Official Performing the Duties of FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton urging the Trump Administration to reverse its decision to eliminate over $325 million in funding for New York State through the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program.

They were joined on the letter by Representatives Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), John Mannion (NY-22), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), George Latimer (NY-16), Tom Suozzi (NY-3), Pat Ryan (NY-18), and Laura Gillen (NY-04).

The Trump Administration’s decision to eliminate BRIC threatens over $325 million in hazard and flood mitigation projects across New York State. The Members also called on the Trump Administration to immediately release $1.6 billion in Disaster Relief Funds designated for New York, which remains unjustly frozen.

In their letter, the Members wrote: “We urge you to reverse your decision to eliminate BRIC funding, take immediate steps to reinstate previously approved grants without delay, and unfreeze the $1.6 billion in additional Disaster Relief Funds for New York that remain unjustly withheld.

During Hurricane Ida, 14 New Yorkers lost their lives—11 drowned in basement apartments. Nearly a decade earlier, Superstorm Sandy devastated our state, claiming 48 lives in New York and causing billions in damage,” the Members continued. “Entire neighborhoods were left underwater, infrastructure was destroyed, and vulnerable communities were pushed to the brink. In December 2022, after a historic winter storm claimed 47 lives in Western New York, a report found that investments in building upgrades were critical to building resilience and preventing this kind of devastation during future storms.”

“The projects now being cut by the Trump Administration were designed to prevent these levels of suffering from happening again. Canceling them now, especially as construction was poised to begin, sends a message that our communities’ lives, safety, and futures are disposable. They are not,” the Members concluded.

Among the projects now at risk are:

• $50 million for flood mitigation infrastructure in Central Harlem, home to schools, hospitals, elder care facilities, and thousands of low-income families.
• $50 million for East Elmhurst to prevent stormwater overflow in a largely residential area hit hard during Hurricane Ida.
• $42.4 million for coastal protection around the South Street Seaport, a vital economic and cultural hub of Lower Manhattan.
• $47 million for the Corona Corridor Cloudburst Hub, a green infrastructure project in Queens aimed at reducing storm-related runoff and flooding.
• $46.6 million for the Kissena Corridor Cloudburst Hub, an integrated green infrastructure project in Queens aimed at mitigating flooding.
• $13 million to protect Hunts Point—critical to New York City’s food supply and emergency response capacity.
• $11.5 million for storm surge barriers around the NYCHA Polo Grounds public housing and the adjacent P.S. 046 in Harlem.
• And many others, including nearly $20 million in protection for public housing developments in Brooklyn, such as Sheepshead Bay, Nostrand, and Breukelen Houses.

Beyond New York City, FEMA’s reversal also threatens urgently needed projects across the state. This includes $24 million for flood and ice jam mitigation along the Erie Canal in the Capital Region and $731,000 for dam decommissioning and floodplain restoration in Westchester. Communities in Buffalo, slated to benefit from much-needed infrastructure modernization, will lose out on $284,000 in critical funding for sustainable building construction support.

The full text of the members’ letter is available HERE. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today led the Michigan Democratic delegation in sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem requesting answers about the sudden and seemingly arbitrary revocations of international students’ visas at universities in Michigan and across the country.

“In the past week, the nation learned that the Trump administration has begun revoking international students’ visas without explanation,” the lawmakers wrote. “In light of these visa revocations, international students are experiencing great anxiety about how the administration’s policies will affect their ability to continue studying at academic institutions across the United States.”

“Academic institutions in Michigan and across the United States are trying their best to address students’ concerns and help impacted students understand required actions, but much remains unclear,” the lawmakers continued. “Students, parents, and academic institutions are trying to understand what appears to be arbitrary decisions to revoke student visas. The timing of this is especially difficult just weeks before the end of the semester, with some students expecting to graduate within the month.”

“Equally perplexing, academic institutions are not receiving any clear guidance from the administration. Universities are only learning of their students’ visas being revoked by checking the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Beyond upending current international students’ studies and lives, we are deeply concerned these revocations are having a chilling effect on international student enrollments.”

The lawmakers requested answers to the following questions within two weeks:

1. What student records are being reviewed by DHS?
2. What specific factors are being considered in the decision to terminate a visa?
3. How are students being notified that their visa is being terminated? Are they receiving information regarding the exact basis of the decision?
4. How much time do impacted students have to understand the implications and determine next steps?
5. What guidance is being given to impacted students? What are their options? Can you outline any appeal processes that are available if a SEVIS record is terminated/a student’s visa has been revoked?
6. If a student decides to stay after their visa is terminated, would that constitute unlawful presence and affect their ability to obtain a different visa?
7. How are academic institutions being notified when the visa of an enrolled student is revoked?
8. In the past, revocation of a student’s visa did not result in the termination of a student’s SEVIS record. Why has this changed, and what is the legal basis for terminating a student’s SEVIS record when a student’s visa has been revoked?
9. Will DHS clarify with principal designated school officials (PDSOs) what the exact basis was for students having their records terminated?
10. Can USCIS clarify the social media vetting announcement vis-a-vis the proposed regulation on social media handle collection (https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-to-begin-screening-aliens-social-media-activity-for-antisemitism)
11. What is the status of state-side visa renewal implementation?
12. Are individual U.S. consulates/embassies able to offer more liberal visa interview waivers than the revised DOS guidance permits?

The letter is signed by every member of the U.S. House Michigan Democratic delegation: Representatives Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), and Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08).

View the full text of the letter here.