Student Visa Security Improvement Act

2/11/2025, 2:38 PM

Student Visa Security Improvement Act

This bill establishes new requirements for foreign student visas and participating educational institutions. 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must review the applications of student visa applicants and conduct in-person interviews when appropriate to determine whether they are inadmissible due to terrorist-related activities. DHS must also conduct on-site reviews of applications and supporting documents deemed appropriate prior to final adjudication.

Institutions and exchange student visitor programs must ensure that student visa-holders are active participants in the program. Students must be regularly observed and must be reported on if they transfer or change majors. The bill also provides for enhanced access to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System for institutions and programs that meet staffing and training requirements.

The Government Accountability Office must review the fees for the Student and Exchange Visitor program.

Bill 119 HR 414, also known as the "Student Visa Security Act," aims to enhance the security measures surrounding student visas in the United States. The bill mandates that the Secretary of Homeland Security must implement stricter background checks for individuals applying for student visas. This includes verifying the authenticity of the information provided by the applicants and conducting thorough screenings to ensure that they do not pose a threat to national security.

Additionally, the bill calls for improved monitoring of foreign students once they are in the United States. This involves tracking their movements and activities to ensure compliance with visa regulations and to promptly address any potential security concerns. The bill also aims to enhance communication and coordination between various government agencies involved in overseeing foreign students, such as the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State.

Overall, the goal of Bill 119 HR 414 is to strengthen the security measures surrounding student visas in order to better protect the United States from potential threats posed by individuals who may abuse the student visa system. By implementing stricter background checks and improving monitoring procedures, the bill seeks to enhance national security while still welcoming foreign students to study in the United States.
Congress
119
Number
HR - 414
Introduced on
2025-01-15
# Amendments
0
Sponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

1/15/2025
Text
PDF
XML

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Student Visa Security Improvement Act

This bill establishes new requirements for foreign student visas and participating educational institutions. 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must review the applications of student visa applicants and conduct in-person interviews when appropriate to determine whether they are inadmissible due to terrorist-related activities. DHS must also conduct on-site reviews of applications and supporting documents deemed appropriate prior to final adjudication.

Institutions and exchange student visitor programs must ensure that student visa-holders are active participants in the program. Students must be regularly observed and must be reported on if they transfer or change majors. The bill also provides for enhanced access to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System for institutions and programs that meet staffing and training requirements.

The Government Accountability Office must review the fees for the Student and Exchange Visitor program.

Bill 119 HR 414, also known as the "Student Visa Security Act," aims to enhance the security measures surrounding student visas in the United States. The bill mandates that the Secretary of Homeland Security must implement stricter background checks for individuals applying for student visas. This includes verifying the authenticity of the information provided by the applicants and conducting thorough screenings to ensure that they do not pose a threat to national security.

Additionally, the bill calls for improved monitoring of foreign students once they are in the United States. This involves tracking their movements and activities to ensure compliance with visa regulations and to promptly address any potential security concerns. The bill also aims to enhance communication and coordination between various government agencies involved in overseeing foreign students, such as the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State.

Overall, the goal of Bill 119 HR 414 is to strengthen the security measures surrounding student visas in order to better protect the United States from potential threats posed by individuals who may abuse the student visa system. By implementing stricter background checks and improving monitoring procedures, the bill seeks to enhance national security while still welcoming foreign students to study in the United States.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo require the Secretary of Homeland Security to strengthen student visa background checks and improve the monitoring of foreign students in the United States, and for other purposes.
Policy Areas
Immigration

Comments

Related

Member:  
Gus M. Bilirakis
Committee:  
Judiciary

Recent Activity

Latest Summary3/19/2025

Student Visa Security Improvement Act

This bill establishes new requirements for foreign student visas and participating educational institutions. 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must review the applica...

Latest Action1/15/2025
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.