Republican lawmakers aim to target sanctuary cities by proposing legislation that would revoke student visas for colleges in jurisdictions defying federal immigration laws.
Key Takeaways
- Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY) introduced the “No Student Visas for Sanctuary Cities Act” to combat jurisdictions that violate federal immigration law
- The bill would prohibit the issuance of student visas to institutions located in sanctuary jurisdictions that refuse to comply with ICE detainers
- Co-sponsors include Representatives Brandon Gill (R-TX), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), and Troy Nehls (R-TX)
- The legislation aligns with President Trump’s recent executive order on “Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens.”
- Hageman sent a letter to President Trump on May 7, 2025, praising his leadership on immigration enforcement
Crackdown on Sanctuary Cities Through Education Policy
In a significant move to enforce federal immigration laws, Representative Harriet Hageman (R-WY) has introduced the “No Student Visas for Sanctuary Cities Act.” This legislation represents a strategic approach to compel compliance from so-called sanctuary jurisdictions by targeting their educational institutions. The bill would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit the issuance of student visas to universities and colleges located in areas that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, directly impacting their ability to attract international students and the substantial revenue they bring.
The proposed legislation defines sanctuary jurisdictions specifically as those that do not comply with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainers. These detainers are requests from ICE to local law enforcement agencies to hold individuals who are subject to deportation for up to 48 hours beyond their scheduled release, allowing federal authorities to take custody. Many sanctuary jurisdictions have policies directing local law enforcement not to honor these detainers, effectively shielding undocumented immigrants from federal immigration enforcement actions.
Congressional Support and Alignment with Trump’s Immigration Agenda
The bill has garnered support from several Republican representatives, with Reps. Brandon Gill (R-TX), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), and Troy Nehls (R-TX) are signing on as co-sponsors. This coalition of conservative lawmakers demonstrates the growing momentum behind efforts to crack down on sanctuary policies that they view as undermining federal immigration law. The timing of the legislation is particularly notable as it follows President Trump’s April 28 executive order titled “Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens,” which outlines a comprehensive approach to immigration enforcement.
On May 7, 2025, Rep. Hageman sent a letter to President Trump regarding the proposed legislation, expressing strong support for his leadership on immigration issues. The letter underscores the alignment between congressional Republicans and the Trump administration on prioritizing national security and the rule of law when it comes to immigration policy. This coordinated approach signals a united front in the effort to eliminate sanctuary policies across the country.
Challenging the “Globalist” Approach to Immigration
In her public statements supporting the bill, Hageman has positioned herself as a champion of average Americans who she believes have been overlooked in favor of elite interests. Her criticism extends to her predecessor, former Representative Liz Cheney, whom Hageman has labeled a “globalist” for her positions on immigration and other issues. This rhetoric reflects the populist bent of the current Republican approach to immigration policy, which emphasizes sovereignty and security over international cooperation and open borders.
The term “globalist” has become a common critique within conservative circles for politicians perceived as prioritizing international interests over national ones. By introducing legislation that could significantly impact the financial well-being of educational institutions in sanctuary jurisdictions, Hageman is making a clear statement about her priorities: enforcing federal immigration law takes precedence over the concerns of universities that benefit from international student enrollment. This approach aligns with the broader Trump agenda of putting “America First” in all policy decisions.
Potential Impact on Higher Education and Immigration
If enacted, the “No Student Visas for Sanctuary Cities Act” would represent a significant financial threat to colleges and universities in sanctuary jurisdictions. International students typically pay full tuition rates and contribute billions of dollars annually to the U.S. economy. By targeting this revenue stream, the bill creates a powerful incentive for educational institutions to pressure their local governments to comply with federal immigration authorities or face substantial financial consequences.
The legislation also highlights the ongoing tension between federal and local control over immigration enforcement. While immigration law is undisputedly a federal matter, its enforcement often relies on cooperation from local authorities. Sanctuary policies have emerged as a form of resistance to what some local jurisdictions view as overly aggressive immigration enforcement. This bill represents an effort by the federal government to reassert its authority by leveraging its control over visas, creating significant consequences for non-compliance rather than attempting direct intervention in local law enforcement practices.
