UAlbany Joins Presidents’ Alliance in Support of International and Immigrant Students

ALBANY, N.Y. (Oct. 19, 2021) — President Rodríguez has joined the Steering Committee of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, a coalition of more than 500 college and university presidents and chancellors promoting federal, state and local policies that support immigrant, international and refugee students.

The nonpartisan, nonprofit Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration brings college and university leaders together on the immigration issues that impact higher education, students, local communities and the nation. The Alliance works to advance fair and forward-looking immigration policies and practices at the federal, state and campus levels that are consistent with the academic values of equity and openness as well as the United States’ heritage as a nation of immigrants. The Alliance is composed of more than 500 presidents and chancellors representing public and private colleges and universities that serve more than 5 million students in 43 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.

“I look forward to being part of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration and advancing its critical work in support of international and immigrant students on our campuses,” President Rodríguez said. “It is incumbent upon leaders in higher education, across our country, to raise their voices in support of inclusive international student and immigration policies, particularly in a climate where so many students face ongoing and emerging barriers to higher education.”

“The University at Albany is unique as a public, research intensive, highly diverse university with internationalization as a pillar of its strategic plan,” said Gilbert Valverde, vice provost for global strategy and dean of international education. “The perspective that President Rodriquez can offer in this important body is distinctive and will benefit a student population that is often overlooked in national debates in higher education.”

The Alliance, the only national organization focused on the intersection of higher education and immigration, was formed in 2017 to support and advocate for international, refugee and immigrant students, including undocumented and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students. The organization also supports immigrant students and their families, and immigrant and international faculty, staff and alumni.

“Higher education leaders are exceptionally positioned to educate the public and inform policymakers on matters that impact immigrant and international students,” said Miriam Feldman, executive director of the Presidents’ Alliance. “Our members can speak to the immense contributions that these talented individuals make to their campuses, communities, the economy and the nation. When immigrant-origin students succeed, colleges, universities, local communities and the economy succeed alongside them.”