HR2147-119

What This Bill Does

The Stop CCP VISAs Act adds a categorical restriction to INA section 214. A national of the People's Republic of China may not be issued a visa or otherwise provided nonimmigrant status under F student, J exchange visitor, or M vocational student categories for the purpose of conducting research or pursuing a course of study. The bill does not create a case-by-case research-security review; it blocks the covered visa and status categories for PRC nationals when the purpose is study or research.

Who Benefits and How

Research security advocates benefit from a broad statutory bar on PRC nationals entering the United States for study or research under F, J, or M categories. U.S. national security agencies benefit if fewer PRC nationals enter academic or research settings through student and exchange visas. Domestic students competing for university seats may benefit if fewer PRC national applicants are eligible for covered visas. Immigration restriction advocates benefit from a categorical rule rather than discretionary screening.

Who Bears the Burden and How

PRC national students lose access to F, J, and M nonimmigrant visas or status for study or research purposes. U.S. universities and research labs lose potential PRC student and exchange visitor enrollment or research participation. The State Department must deny covered visa applications under the new rule. DHS immigration agencies must deny covered nonimmigrant status where the purpose is study or research.

Key Provisions

• Bars PRC nationals from F nonimmigrant student visas or status for study or research.
• Bars PRC nationals from J exchange visitor visas or status for study or research.
• Bars PRC nationals from M vocational student visas or status for study or research.
• Creates a categorical nationality-based restriction rather than a case-by-case review standard.