The Democrats have won control of both chambers of Congress, securing majorities in the Senate and House of Representatives. They also flipped key Senate seats in traditionally Republican states, such as Kansas, which has not elected a Democratic senator since 1932.
This sweeping wave of blue across the US comes at an important time for international students studying in the country, as the Trump administration continues to restrict the opportunities available to them.
Reacting to the win, Miriam Feldblum, president and CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, said the results “underscored that voters are paying attention to fairness and common sense talk and proposals.”
“The next Congress will have an important opportunity to examine the cumulative effects of visa delays and denials, travel restrictions, immigration enforcement impacting campuses, and limits on practical training,” she added.
The Democratic victory means that the Trump administration will face greater opposition in Congress, making it harder to pass legislation without Democratic support. They will also be able to block or delay presidential appointments requiring Senate confirmation, and could force the White House to negotiate over legislation.
Most recently on October 7, The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a proposed rule which would charge US universities $70,000 for each international student they recommend for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Institutions would have to pay a further $30,000 per year for extensions of a student’s initial OPT.
If implemented, the proposed fees could also make it harder for universities to sustain the additional costs of supporting international students.
In August, DHS announced that Curricular Practical Training (CPT), the program allowing international students to take internships and work placements during their studies, should only be granted where it is a degree requirement.
This prompted the cancellation of thousands of internships for international students, according to organisations challenging the move, with Harvard, Yale, Princeton and Penn among the institutions to review or tighten their rules.
The Presidents’ Alliance said it would like to see “forward-looking solutions” that “provide more predictability and certainty for students, institutions, and employers” to build a system that “welcomes international students and scholars.”
The midterm elections, which take place halfway through a president’s four-year term, mark a crucial point in a presidency, as Americans vote for members of Congress, the body responsible for creating and passing federal laws.
These laws apply nationwide and must be passed by both chambers of Congress before being approved by the president. The president can sign or veto a bill, but Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds majority in both the House and the Senate.
The results therefore determine how easy it will be for the current president to carry out their legislative plans, although many immigration policies can still be pursued through executive action.
Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, said the results would not change the organisation’s “unwavering” mission to champion international education, advocate for students and scholars, defend the value of global engagement, and stand firmly for the dignity, opportunity and belonging of all.
“International education matters. It is a bridge that connects us to each other and the world, reminding us that our future is strengthened by being part of the world, not apart from it,” she added.
