To prohibit the issuance of F or J visas to researchers affiliated with the Chinese People's Liberation Army.

This bill bars individuals affiliated with the Chinese military from entering the United States on visas for students (F visa) or work-and-study exchange (J visa).

The President shall publish a list identifying research, engineering, and scientific institutions affiliated with or funded by China's People's Liberation Army. Aliens who are or were previously employed, sponsored, or funded by any institution on the list shall be subject to the bar.

When a Chinese national applies for an F or J visa for an academic field related to an item on the Commerce Control List (a list of items subject to export controls), the consular officer handling the application shall request a special background check on the applicant.

Bill 117 HR 4361, also known as the "Prohibition of F or J Visas for Chinese People's Liberation Army Researchers Act," aims to prevent individuals affiliated with the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) from obtaining F or J visas to conduct research in the United States. The bill specifically targets researchers who are part of the PLA, a branch of the Chinese military.

The bill seeks to address concerns about potential espionage and intellectual property theft by individuals associated with the PLA conducting research in the US. By prohibiting these individuals from obtaining F or J visas, the bill aims to protect US national security interests and prevent the unauthorized transfer of sensitive information to the Chinese military.

If passed, the bill would require the US Department of State to deny F or J visa applications from individuals who are determined to be affiliated with the PLA. This would involve increased scrutiny of visa applications and background checks to identify any connections to the Chinese military. Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to safeguard US research and technology from foreign adversaries, particularly China. They believe that restricting visas for PLA-affiliated researchers is a crucial step in protecting US national security interests. Opponents of the bill may argue that it unfairly targets individuals based on their affiliation with a specific organization, potentially leading to discrimination and hindering academic collaboration and exchange. They may also raise concerns about the impact on US-China relations and the potential for retaliation against US researchers in China. Overall, Bill 117 HR 4361 represents a significant effort to address national security concerns related to foreign researchers affiliated with the Chinese military. The bill is currently under consideration in Congress, and its outcome will have implications for US visa policy and international research collaboration.