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Congress·In Committee·about 2 months ago

Congress Proposes Strict New Limits and Security Checks for International Students

Also known as: Student Visa Integrity Act of 2026

Legislative Progress

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Review
House
Senate
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Impact Analysis

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Key Points

  • Congress is considering a plan to ban students from several countries, including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and Venezuela, from attending colleges or universities in the United States. It also blocks students from certain other nations from studying sensitive subjects like nuclear science or flight training.
  • The bill would set a strict four-year limit on how long most international students can stay in the country. It also limits online learning, requiring that at least 90% of a student's classes be taken in person, and prevents students from changing their major once they have started their program.
  • Schools that host international students would face much tougher oversight. They would be required to disclose any financial ties or contracts with the Chinese government and ensure their staff pass federal background checks. School officials who help commit visa fraud could face up to 15 years in prison.
  • Businesses that hire international students would be required to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm they are allowed to work. These employers would also have to report the student's specific job duties, work location, and wages to the government to ensure they are not replacing American workers.
  • The proposal would create a more advanced digital tracking system to monitor students from the moment they apply until they leave the country. Students from countries considered national security risks would also be required to undergo in-person interviews before they can extend their stay in the U.S.
ImmigrationEducationNational Security Foreign Policy

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Jan 14, 2026House

Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Jan 14, 2026

Introduced in House

Related News

5 articles
Siasat Daily·about 2 months ago

Bill proposed to tighten US student visa rules

Rep. Brandon Gill introduced the Student Visa Integrity Act to strengthen enforcement of student visas. The bill would establish firm end dates for programs, expand in-person interview requirements, and bar nationals from adversarial countries like China and Iran from studying in the U.S.

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Free Press Kashmir·about 2 months ago

US Republicans move bill to tighten student visa rules, cite fraud and security risks

Texas Rep. Brandon Gill's Student Visa Integrity Act aims to address loopholes in the student visa system. Key provisions include fixed end dates for visas, restrictions on program transfers, and a ban on students from countries deemed adversarial to the United States.

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Ommcom News·about 2 months ago

US Congressman Proposes Bill To Tighten Student Visa Rules, Cites National Security Risks

Republican lawmakers introduced legislation to overhaul the student visa program, citing concerns over fraud and national security. The bill would impose tougher penalties on schools facilitating visa fraud and require universities to disclose ties to the Chinese government.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Student Visa Integrity Act of 2026

Bill NumberHR 7063
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(2)
R: 2

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.