Sponsors (5)
The bill tightens immigration controls for nationals of specified countries to reduce technology transfer and espionage risks while adding congressional oversight, but it does so at the cost of disrupting research and education, imposing compliance and administrative burdens, and raising fairness and privacy concerns for affected individuals.
U.S. national security and taxpayers: the bill restricts entry and employment of certain foreign nationals from designated countries, aiming to reduce risks of sensitive technology transfer or espionage.
Scientists, researchers, and programs vital to U.S. interests: the bill preserves a case-by-case national‑interest waiver process so trusted individuals can still be admitted or employed when their participation is important to the United States.
Members of Congress and oversight committees: the bill requires regular, detailed reporting (waiver counts, reasons, and recipient background) so Congress can monitor waiver use and identify potential security risks, improving transparency and accountability.
Researchers, students, and scientific collaborators from the designated countries: the bill may bar or restrict them from U.S. labs and campuses, disrupting research projects, collaborations, and education.
National labs, contractors, and research employers: the bill could cause loss of specialized talent, slow research progress, and increase project costs due to restricted hiring pools and disrupted staffing.
Covered noncitizen applicants and their families: the bill enables sudden visa denials or targeted restrictions regardless of other immigration criteria, creating hardship and uncertainty for applicants and relatives.
Based on analysis of 5 sections of legislative text.
Bars certain nonimmigrant visas/admissions and employment at national research labs for nationals of five countries unless a joint national-interest waiver is granted and reported to Congress.
Official title: To prohibit the issuance of certain visas to nationals of the People's Republic of China, and for other purposes.
Introduced December 5, 2025 by Pat Harrigan · Last progress December 5, 2025
Bars nationals of five specified countries from receiving or using several common nonimmigrant U.S. visas (including many student, exchange, specialty-worker, and research-related categories) and generally forbids national research laboratories from employing such visa holders already in the United States unless granted a narrow joint national-interest waiver. Requires biannual congressional reporting on any waivers, including justifications and biographical details. The State Department and DHS must issue implementing rules within 90 days.