Louisiana Higher Education Foreign Security Act (LAHEFSA)

Louisiana RS 17:1826.1- 1826.4

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

LSUHSC-New Orleans is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.
This process establishes compliance with applicable state law. 

 

Definition

Foreign Adversary Country: Any foreign government or foreign non-government person determined by the United States secretary of commerce to have engaged in a long-term pattern or serious instances of conduct significantly adverse to the national security of the United States or security and safety of United States persons as listed in 15 CFR 18 §7.4 Determination of Foreign Adversaries, as amended or renumbered.

 

I. Gift Reporting

1. All gifts from a foreign adversary country to the institution or affiliate organizations of the institution with a value of fifty thousand dollars or more must be reported to the Vice Chancellor of Administration & Finance’s Office. This includes:
   1. Expenses reimbursed by a foreign adversary institution or affiliate organization of the institution including transportation, lodging, food, and any payments or honoraria received during or related to international travel and activities.
       
2. If a foreign adversary country provides more than one gift to the institution or an affiliate organization of the institution in a single calendar year with a total value of fifty thousand dollars or more, then all gifts received from that foreign country must also be reported to the Vice Chancellor of Administration & Finance’s Office.
    

II. Screening of Research & Research Support Positions

1. All research and research-related support positions, including graduate students and visiting researchers, must be screened prior to being offered employment. Letters of Offer or Admissions are not allowed to be given until a clearance has been received. 
    
2. All applicants selected to receive an offer for employment must complete the “Research and Research Support Screening Form”.
    
3. Preferred applicants must be screened for the following:
   1. Citizenship or permanent residence
   2. Any affiliation with an institution or program with a foreign adversary
   3. Any prior employment or training of at least one year with a foreign adversary
       
4. Applicants must also provide the following documents:
   1. Current Passport
      • U.S. Citizens may provide a copy of their birth certificate or certificate of naturalization if they do not have a passport. 
         
   2. Most recent Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, DS-160, if applicable
      • If they have completed a DS-160 but do not have access to it, then they may provide alternative documents in lieu of the DS-160 and provide a signed and notarized affidavit regarding their most recent DS-160 submission. A template is attached for modification, completion and notarization. 
        Template Affidavit for submitting DS-160 alternative.docx
         
   3. A complete resume/curriculum vitae that contains the following:
      • Every institution of higher education attended
      • All previous employment since age 18
        • Any applicant selected to receive an offer for employment who has continuously been enrolled and/or employed in the United States for at least 20 years can limit their previous employment history to the past 20 years.
      • A list of all published material to which the applicant significantly contributed, even if not listed as the author
      • A list of the applicant's current and pending research funding, including the amount and source, a brief research description, and role on the project
      • A list of all non-university professional activities including any affiliation with an institution or program outside of the United States (examples include but are not limited to being an expert witness, general consulting, publishing agreements, self-employment or business operations, board positions, gratis faculty appointments)

 

III. International Travel

1. Any faculty member, researcher, or research department staff must be preapproved and screened for any employment-related travel to, and activities related to, foreign adversary countries.
    
2. International travelers must submit the following information/documents to the LAHEFSA Committee prior to departure to a foreign adversary country:
   1. Place(s) to be visited and route if other than direct
   2. Purpose of travel
   3. Dates of travel
   4. Source of funds for travel and estimated costs
   5. Copies of abstracts, invitations, brochures, etc.
   6. Prior Approval Request for Travel forms
       
3. International travelers must submit the following information/documents to the LAHEFSA Committee after returning from travel to a foreign adversary country:
   1. Any gifts of funds or promises to pay offered by the foreign adversary country or any entity representing the interests of a foreign adversary
   2. Expenses reimbursed by the institution or affiliate organization of the institution including transportation, lodging, food, and any payments or honoraria received during the travel and activities.