0
0
0
To prohibit the issuance of F or J visas to researchers affiliated with the Chinese People's Liberation Army.
12/31/2022, 5:07 AM
Summary of Bill HR 4361
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.
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.
Congressional Summary of HR 4361
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.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill HR 4361
Bill HR 4361 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since July 6, 2021. Bill HR 4361 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on July 6, 2021. Bill HR 4361's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship. as of November 1, 2022
Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 4361
Total Number of Sponsors
1Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
1Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
4Democrat Cosponsors
0Republican Cosponsors
4Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 4361
Primary Policy Focus
ImmigrationPotential Impact Areas
- Asia
- Australia
- Canada
- China
- Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
- Europe
- Foreign labor
- Government information and archives
- Immigration status and procedures
- New Zealand
- Oceania
- Research administration and funding
- United Kingdom
- Visas and passports
Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 4361
To prohibit the issuance of F or J visas to researchers affiliated with the Chinese People's Liberation Army.
To prohibit the issuance of F or J visas to researchers affiliated with the Chinese People's Liberation Army.
Comments
Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 4361
Latest Bills
Securing Partner Supply Chains Act
Bill HR 7675April 22, 2026
Long-Term Good Neighbor Authority Act
Bill HR 7951April 22, 2026
IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act
Bill HR 7959April 22, 2026
Equal Representation Act of 2025
Bill HR 151April 22, 2026
Taxpayer Experience Improvement Act
Bill HR 7971April 22, 2026
To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate Haiti for temporary protected status.
Bill HR 1689April 22, 2026
Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.
Bill HCONRES 40April 22, 2026
ALERT Act
Bill HR 7613April 22, 2026
Expressing support for tax policies that support working families.
Bill HRES 1156April 22, 2026
Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program: Standards for 2026 and 2027, Partial Waiver of 2025 Cellulosic Biofuel Volume Requirement, and Other Changes".
Bill HJRES 157April 22, 2026
People's Liberation Army Visa Security Act
Bill S 2078December 31, 2022

