Protecting America From Spies Act

This bill makes it easier for the U.S. to deny visas or entry to noncitizens involved in spying, stealing technology, or similar threats. It says a person can be kept out if officials know or have reason to believe they engage, have engaged, or will engage in espionage, sabotage, or illegal export of goods, technology, or sensitive information—even if the act would be illegal only if it happened inside the United States. It also covers people seeking to enter for other unlawful acts or to support overthrowing the U.S. government by force. In some cases, the person’s spouse or child can also be barred if the related activity happened in the last five years. The bill limits the ability to waive these bars.

Key points:

• Who is affected: Noncitizens applying for U.S. visas or entry, and in certain cases their spouses and children.
• What changes: Officials can deny entry based on past, present, or likely future spying, sabotage, illegal tech transfer, other unlawful activity, or efforts to overthrow the U.S. government; some waivers are no longer allowed.
• When: Takes effect upon enactment of the bill.