Sponsors (15)
The bill increases protection of sensitive U.S. research by restricting certain visa-based research access and clarifying denial authority, but does so at the cost of lost scientific collaboration and talent, reduced educational exchange, potential discrimination and diplomatic fallout, and added administrative burdens.
U.S. research institutions and sensitive programs face reduced risk of intellectual property theft and unwanted technology transfer by restricting certain visa-based research access, protecting national-security-sensitive work.
Clarifies and streamlines government authority and procedures for consular and homeland security officers to deny visas tied to research activities, potentially improving vetting of national-security-sensitive cases.
Universities, labs, and companies could lose talent and close collaboration with Chinese researchers and students, reducing U.S. scientific capacity, slowing innovation, and harming research outcomes.
The ban would bar Chinese nationals who are students or exchange visitors from studying or researching at U.S. institutions, reducing educational and cultural exchange opportunities and disrupting training pipelines.
Targeting nationals of a single country raises civil liberties and discrimination concerns and risks diplomatic retaliation that could harm broader bilateral relations and Americans working or studying abroad.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Prohibits PRC nationals from receiving F, J, or M nonimmigrant visas or status when the purpose is conducting research or pursuing study.
Bars nationals of the People’s Republic of China from receiving F (academic student), J (exchange visitor), or M (vocational student) nonimmigrant visas or status when the purpose of entry is conducting research or pursuing a course of study. The change amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to add a categorical prohibition for these visa classes when used for research or academic study by PRC nationals.
Introduced March 14, 2025 by Riley M. Moore · Last progress March 14, 2025