U.S. universities educate thousands of foreign-born students. They graduate with skills the United States needs, and they want to stay here. But many can’t. 

Why? Because the U.S. immigration system often requires that international graduates convert from student to work visas, but they can't if they don't already have a job offer. Other countries are doing it differently—and reaping the benefits.

College works out well for most students, including those who take out loans. Yet, new research shows that some students do not see income gains after college, perhaps because they attended a low-value program, did not complete their degree, or faced systemic barriers in the labor market and beyond. 

These borrowers struggle with their payments over the years, often experiencing growing balances and defaults. As they near retirement age, they fare even worse than seniors who never went to college, researchers say.

A new law will change the game for community college students in the Lone Star State, especially for students from low-income backgrounds and adult learners. 

But perhaps the most interesting story surrounding the passage of House Bill 8 is the pivotal role that student advocates played in its development.