Bill · H.R. 414· House(119-HR-414)
Student Visa Security Improvement Act
- Introduced
- 1/15/2025
- Last activity
- 1/15/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Gus Bilirakis
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Student Visa Security Improvement Act aims to strengthen the security of the student visa process. It directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to enhance background checks for specific visa applicants, including conducting in-person interviews and on-site reviews. The bill also mandates stricter monitoring of foreign students and exchange visitors to ensure they remain active participants in their programs. Additionally, it requires institutions to observe students more frequently and report status changes quickly. The Act includes provisions for system upgrades and authorized user access to student data. Finally, it calls for a review of program fees by the Comptroller General.
Yes
Does this tighten control of the border?+3
The bill strengthens the security of the student visa process through enhanced background checks and stricter monitoring.
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?+1
The bill mandates a Comptroller General review of program fees and associated expenses to ensure fiscal oversight.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+1
The bill requires biannual reports to Congress regarding program compliance and status changes.
The opposite
Would immigrants be better off under this?-4
The bill imposes strict observation, monitoring, and reporting requirements on foreign students.
Would students be better off under this?-3
Students face increased surveillance and more stringent requirements to maintain their legal status.
Does this make it easier for immigrants already here to become citizens?-2
Increased monitoring and stricter reporting requirements could create additional hurdles for foreign students' long-term status.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Enhanced Security Screening: The bill requires employees to review applications for (F), (J), and (M) visas with a special emphasis on determining if applicants are inadmissible due to terrorist activities (Section 2).
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Improved Monitoring of Foreign Students: The Act requires institutions or sponsors to ensure students are active participants and are observed by physical or electronic means at least once every 60 days (Section 3(a)(1)(A)).
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Data Accuracy and Verification: The bill mandates updates to the system to include verification that a student's performance meets the minimum academic standards of their institution (Section 3(a)(1)(8)(A)).
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Accountability through Oversight: The Comptroller General is tasked with reviewing fees associated with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, including expenses for enforcement and data collection (Section 3(b)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Increased Burdens on Institutions: Schools or exchange visitor program sponsors must implement regulations to ensure students are not unobserved for more than 30 days during an academic term or 60 days otherwise (Section 3(a)(1)(A)(ii)).
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Strict Reporting Requirements: Institutions are required to report changes, such as transfers or changes in academic majors, within 10 days (Section 3(a)(1)(A)(iii)).
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Risk of Decertification: The Secretary is authorized to decertify an approved institution or exchange visitor program sponsor without notice if they are engaged in egregious criminal activities or are a threat to national security (Section 3(a)(1)(10)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Immigrants-4Good For Students-3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Fiscal Responsibility+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+3Improves Pathway To Citizenship-2
- 1/15/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in House