Trump's Terms Many rural schools rely on international teachers. Trump's visa changes threaten that
Oct 21, 2025
The discussion delves into the challenges rural schools face in attracting teachers, heavily relying on international hires. Hardin, Montana's story highlights how local educators on H-1B visas are essential for staffing. A new $100,000 fee for these visas threatens this stability. With over 20,000 educators holding H-1B visas, the implications are significant. There's a push for exemptions and empathy towards international teachers, as concerns grow about future recruitment amidst these policy changes.
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Rural Districts Depend On International Teachers
- Hardin, Montana relies on international teachers to staff schools, with about 30 of 150 teachers on visas.
- Superintendent Tobin Nevejo and teacher Maria Cristina Tominbang describe recruiting challenges and reliance on visas for staffing.
Domestic Applicant Shortages In Rural Schools
- Candidate pools for rural teaching jobs have shrunk dramatically over 15 years, making international hires essential.
- Local recruitment efforts can't fill vacancies without visa holders, per Superintendent Nevejo.
Teacher Shares Visa Hopes And Commitment
- Maria Cristina Tominbang teaches middle school math on a J-1 visa and hopes to move to an H-1B for stability.
- She values her work and calls teaching in the U.S. a blessing despite visa uncertainty.