Bills · HR 414
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 414Immigration
Student Visa Security Improvement Act
INTRO JAN 15· LAST ACTION JAN 15
READING
6MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it aims to strengthen national security by increasing scrutiny of foreign students coming to the U.S. If it becomes law, it would represent a significant shift in how international student visas are processed and how foreign students are monitored, potentially reducing the risk of individuals using student visas for illicit purposes. For many years, there have been concerns about the effectiveness of monitoring foreign students and exchange visitors, and this bill seeks to address those directly.
Voters should care because it could impact the flow of international students into U.S. educational institutions, which are important for both economic and cultural exchange. Stronger regulations could make the visa process longer or more difficult for legitimate students, while also imposing additional costs and administrative burdens on educational institutions. Conversely, if these measures improve security without unduly hindering legitimate educational pursuits, it could enhance public confidence in the immigration system.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to implement new regulations within 180 days for enhanced background checks and in-person interviews for all F, J, and M student visa applicants.
This provision aims to increase the scrutiny of foreign student visa applicants, with a special emphasis on identifying those who may be inadmissible due to terrorist activities, potentially making it harder for high-risk individuals to enter the U.S.
PROVISION 02
Mandates that institutions hosting foreign students ensure they are active participants in their programs and are 'observed' (positively identified) at least every 60 days, with stricter reporting requirements for changes like transfers or major changes.
This significantly increases the responsibility of educational institutions to actively monitor foreign students and exchange visitors, addressing concerns about students who might 'go missing' or deviate from their stated purpose of entry.
PROVISION 03
Requires upgrades to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to include data on student academic performance and timely entry of all required monitoring information, alongside improved access and technical support for schools.
Updating SEVIS aims to create a more comprehensive and accessible tracking system, providing both schools and DHS with better data to manage and monitor foreign students effectively.
PROVISION 04
Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to immediately decertify institutions or exchange programs that are engaged in egregious criminal activities or pose a threat to national security.
This provision gives DHS direct and swift power to remove the ability of problematic institutions to host foreign students, preventing potential abuse of the student visa system.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 0
R· Florida
YRS IN OFFICE
19
BILLS LED
35
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJAN 15
Introduced in House
JAN 15
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 414
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 15, 2025
Last actionJan 15, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · JUDICIARY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 15, 2025
House BillHR 414Immigration
Student Visa Security Improvement Act
INTRODUCED JAN 15, 2025· LAST ACTION JAN 15, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
6 min
COSPONSORS
0
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
