Bill · H.R. 419· House(119-HR-419)
Protecting America From Spies Act
- Introduced
- 1/15/2025
- Last activity
- 1/15/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Ben Cline
- Cosponsors
- - 9 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Protecting America From Spies Act," aims to amend section 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The legislation expands the grounds for declaring individuals inadmissible to the United States. It focuses on ensuring that efforts involving espionage or technology transfer are considered during visa issuance. Specifically, it targets activities related to espionage, sabotage, or the illegal export of sensitive information and goods. Additionally, it addresses individuals seeking to engage in activities aimed at opposing or overthrowing the U ability of the U.S. Government through unlawful means.
Yes
Does this tighten control of the border?+5
The bill strengthens border security by expanding the grounds for declaring individuals inadmissible based on espionage, sabotage, and illegal technology transfer.
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?+3
By targeting the illegal export of sensitive technology and information, the bill helps protect national technological security.
The opposite
Would immigrants be better off under this?-6
The bill negatively impacts immigrants by expanding inadmissibility to include spouses and children of those engaged in specified activities.
Does this make it easier for immigrants already here to become citizens?-4
The bill makes it more difficult for certain individuals and their families to enter or remain in the country by expanding inadmissibility criteria.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Security against espionage and sabotage: The bill expands inadmissibility to include those who engage in activities that violate laws regarding espionage or sabotage (Section 2, subsection a, clause i). This could help protect the country from those attempting to undermine national security.
-
Protection of technology and information: The bill targets individuals who violate laws prohibiting the export of goods, technology, or sensitive information (Section 2, subsection a, clause ii). This may prevent the unauthorized transfer of sensitive U.S. technological assets.
-
Prevention of government overthrow: The act makes individuals inadmissible if they seek to enter the U.S. to engage in activities aimed at the opposition to, or control or overthrow of, the Government of the United States by force, violence, or other unlawful means (Section 2, subsection a, clause iv).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Impact on families: The bill expands inadmissibility to include the spouse or child of an alien who is found inadmissible, provided the activity occurred within the last 5 years (Section 2, subsection a, clause v). This could result in family members being denied entry based on the actions of a relative.
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Reduced waiver availability: The bill amends the waiver authority by striking previous language, which affects how certain subparagraphs are treated under Section 212(d)(3)(A) (Section 2, subsection b).
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-6
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+5Improves Pathway To Citizenship-4
- 8/29/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 2/21/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/4/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/28/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/22/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/15/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Jack BergmanRepublican · Michigan
Byron DonaldsRepublican · Florida
Glenn GrothmanRepublican · Wisconsin
Mark GreenRepublican · Tennessee
Clay HigginsRepublican · Louisiana
Anna Paulina LunaRepublican · Florida
Andrew OglesRepublican · Tennessee
W. SteubeRepublican · Florida
Randy WeberRepublican · Texas