Protecting America From Spies Act

2/13/2025, 3:08 AM

Protecting America From Spies Act

This bill expands the grounds for barring non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) from entering the United States on the basis of espionage or sabotage.

Currently, an individual is inadmissible if the individual seeks to enter the United States to engage in an act that (1) violates a U.S. law relating to espionage or sabotage; or (2) violates any U.S. law prohibiting the export of goods, technology, or sensitive information. Under the bill, an individual is inadmissible if the individual engages, has engaged, or will engage in such an act or in an act that would violate any U.S. law relating to espionage or sabotage if it occurred in the United States.

Furthermore, the bill expands these grounds of inadmissibility and other security-related grounds to cover the spouse or child of the barred individual if the act occurred in the last five years.

Bill 119 hr 419, also known as the "Visa Integrity and Security Act," aims to amend section 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to address concerns related to espionage and technology transfer. The bill seeks to ensure that individuals who may be involved in these activities are thoroughly vetted before being issued a visa to enter the United States.

The proposed legislation emphasizes the importance of national security and the need to prevent unauthorized individuals from gaining access to sensitive information or technology that could potentially harm the country. By amending section 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the bill aims to strengthen the visa issuance process and enhance security measures to safeguard against espionage and technology transfer.

In addition to addressing these specific concerns, the bill also includes provisions for other purposes related to visa integrity and security. These additional measures are intended to further enhance the screening process for visa applicants and improve overall security protocols. Overall, Bill 119 hr 419 seeks to bolster national security efforts by ensuring that individuals who may pose a threat in terms of espionage or technology transfer are thoroughly evaluated before being granted a visa to enter the United States. The bill underscores the importance of safeguarding sensitive information and technology to protect the country from potential threats.
Congress
119
Number
HR - 419
Introduced on
2025-01-15
# Amendments
0
Sponsors
+5
Cosponsors
+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

Protecting America From Spies Act

This bill expands the grounds for barring non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) from entering the United States on the basis of espionage or sabotage.

Currently, an individual is inadmissible if the individual seeks to enter the United States to engage in an act that (1) violates a U.S. law relating to espionage or sabotage; or (2) violates any U.S. law prohibiting the export of goods, technology, or sensitive information. Under the bill, an individual is inadmissible if the individual engages, has engaged, or will engage in such an act or in an act that would violate any U.S. law relating to espionage or sabotage if it occurred in the United States.

Furthermore, the bill expands these grounds of inadmissibility and other security-related grounds to cover the spouse or child of the barred individual if the act occurred in the last five years.

Bill 119 hr 419, also known as the "Visa Integrity and Security Act," aims to amend section 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to address concerns related to espionage and technology transfer. The bill seeks to ensure that individuals who may be involved in these activities are thoroughly vetted before being issued a visa to enter the United States.

The proposed legislation emphasizes the importance of national security and the need to prevent unauthorized individuals from gaining access to sensitive information or technology that could potentially harm the country. By amending section 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the bill aims to strengthen the visa issuance process and enhance security measures to safeguard against espionage and technology transfer.

In addition to addressing these specific concerns, the bill also includes provisions for other purposes related to visa integrity and security. These additional measures are intended to further enhance the screening process for visa applicants and improve overall security protocols. Overall, Bill 119 hr 419 seeks to bolster national security efforts by ensuring that individuals who may pose a threat in terms of espionage or technology transfer are thoroughly evaluated before being granted a visa to enter the United States. The bill underscores the importance of safeguarding sensitive information and technology to protect the country from potential threats.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo amend section 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to ensure that efforts to engage in espionage or technology transfer are considered in visa issuance, and for other purposes.

Comments

Related

Member:  
Jack Bergman
Member:  
Randy K. Weber, Sr.
Member:  
Byron Donalds
Committee:  
Judiciary

Recent Activity

Latest Summary3/19/2025

Protecting America From Spies Act

This bill expands the grounds for barring non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) from entering the United States on the basis of espionage or sabotage.

Currently, ...

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