- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
Several Native American groups are calling on lawmakers to pass a new bill that would allow governors and Tribal entities to petition to extend foreign visas for teachers serving in tribal and highly rural communities.
Foreign exchange teachers are granted visitor (J-1) visas, which are nonimmigrant visas for individuals approved to participate in exchange visitor programs, which by design require workers and students to return to their home country for at least two years before seeking a new visa or green card. The legislation would allow teachers on a J-1 visa to waive their two-year return home requirement and work up to five years in the U.S. if they enter into a contract with their employing school.
The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), National Indian Education Association, Coalition of Large Tribes, Navajo Preparatory School, Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Association, Oglala Sioux Tribe, Rosebud Sioux Tribe, and several South Dakota tribal schools, among others are supporting the legislation.
The legislation would help fill the shortage of teachers on Indian reservations and in other rural areas of the United States.
The legislation was introduced by U.S. senators from New Mexico and South Dakota, two states with high populations of Native American students: Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Sen. John Thune (R-SD). The bill is cosponsored by Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and Mike Rounds (R-SD).
The text of the bill is here.
More Stories Like This
California Mandates Native American History in Schools with New LawMoran Returning to Indian Affairs Amid Haskell Reform Push
Legislation Introduced in Congress to Remove the Bureau of Indian Education from Operating Haskell Indian Nations University
Associated Press Reports on Chronic Absenteeism Among Native Students
The Tribal College and University Building Bridges Grant Program Selects Second Cohort of Awardees
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Our mission draws from the warrior spirit that has sustained Indigenous peoples for generations — the same spirit that drives us to stand guard over tribal rights through relentless investigation and fearless reporting.
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.
