Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced that international students living in the United States could risk deportation if their universities switch to online-only courses. BPC's Theresa Cardinal Brown points out that students may not be able to return home due to coronavirus-related travel restrictions. Elsewhere, BPC's Shai Akabas warns of a slow economic recovery despite increased jobs numbers; and a BPC report outlines what is needed for child care facilities to safely reopen.

At the end of July, the additional $600 in weekly unemployment benefits enacted by the CARES Act is set to expire. Going forward, lawmakers should begin to gradually phase down this supplemental weekly benefit so unemployment insurance continues to provide immediate financial relief in the near term, while also encouraging work and supporting economic recovery.

The new Immigration and Customs Enforcement policy requiring international students on F-1 visas to leave the country if their university transitions to online-only learning in the fall is likely to have an adverse impact on the economy at a time when higher education finances have already been thrown into disarray. International students contribute considerably to overall economic growth and policymakers should ensure that they can continue their studies in the United States regardless of whether their schools move online this fall.

BPC's American Congress Exchange returned as Rep. James Comer (R-KY) welcomed Rep. Joe Cunningham (D-SC) to his home state of Kentucky. ACE enables lawmakers to spend time together learning about each other’s districts and leading discussions on shared interests. Members are paired by focusing on districts that differ geographically, culturally, and politically. Read the recap of the latest ACE trip here.