American Competitiveness Through International Openness Now Act of 2008 or the ACTION Act of 2008 - Directs the President to submit to the appropriate congressional committees a strategic plan for increasing U.S. competitiveness for international students, scholars, scientists, and exchange visitors.
Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the International Education Coordinating Council.
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) revise the "intent" criterion with respect to foreign students; and (2) permit specified employment-based visas to be renewed in the United States.
Extends the security clearance for nonimmigrant scientists.
Provides for: (1) security clearance portability under specified circumstances; (2) periodic review of the technology alert list (as defined by this Act); and (3) expansion of the social security number enumeration-at-entry program to include eligible exchange visitor nonimmigrants (J-visa) at all U.S. ports of entry.
Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 with respect to temporary driver's licenses and temporary identification cards.
Directs the Secretary of State to establish an expedited visa trusted traveler program for international students, researchers, scholars, and individuals engaged in business.