Bill · S. 2036· Senate(119-S-2036)
Putting American Students First Act
- Introduced
- 6/11/2025
- Last activity
- 6/11/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Sponsored by
- Jim Banks
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The ``Putting American Students First Act'' aims to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965. It seeks to establish specific immigration and residency requirements for individuals who are eligible to participate in Federal TRIO programs. The bill defines specific categories of eligible individuals, such as U.S. nationals, certain aliens, and citizens of Freely Associated States. It also includes a provision that prohibits the waiver of these requirements under various existing legal authorities.
Yes
No question was scored yes.
The opposite· 3 of 6
Would immigrants be better off under this?-6
The bill explicitly restricts program access for various non-citizen and immigrant categories.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?-4
The restriction on TRIO program eligibility could negatively impact low-income immigrant households.
Would students be better off under this?-4
Imposing stricter eligibility criteria reduces the overall pool of students who can benefit from TRIO programs.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Clear Eligibility Standards: Section 2(a)(1) provides a specific list of who is eligible to participate in programs receiving assistance under this chapter, including U.S. nationals, certain aliens with permanent residence or intent, and residents of Freely Associated States or the CNMI.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Strict Eligibility Barriers: Section 2(a)(1) establishes specific requirements that individuals must meet to be eligible for Federal TRIO programs, which include being a U.S. national, a lawfully admitted permanent resident, or a citizen of a Freely Associated State under certain conditions.
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Prohibition of Waivers: Section 2(a)(2) explicitly prohibits the waiver of the established citizenship and residency requirements under various existing legal authorities, such as those found in the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Immigrants-6Good For Low Income Households-4Good For Students-4Good For Hispanic Americans-3Good For Young Adults-3
- Education And Technology
- Improves College Affordability-4
- 6/11/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.