Learning About the U.S. Legislative Process

Dear International Students and Scholars,

I have been getting a wide variety of questions from international students and scholars who are uncertain of the impact of the presidential election on their immigration status.  As you know from a message you recently received, nothing in your F-1, J-1, H-1B or other immigration status with the University has changed.  It may also help you to know that changing any law, including immigration law, requires a complex process subject to many different influences and takes time.

If you are interested in learning more about the legislative process, you can visit the U.S. House of Representatives website and also view the original source for the graphic below for an impression of what is involved. A much simplified version, originally created for children, can be found in this YouTube video.  Once a law is passed, government agencies have to promulgate regulations (the details with which you are very familiar from our advisement on how to maintain your immigration status), which takes additional time.

bill becomes a law.jpg

Source: Mike Wirth Art | Click the source link for a larger image

As always, OIA will continue to monitor developments and provide advisement and support.  Please don’t hesitate to contact us with your questions. 

With warm regards,

Tamara Felden