This bill aims to address concerns about foreign intelligence threats to American colleges and universities. It would require the FBI to designate certain foreign actors as threats if they have engaged in espionage, visa misuse, or theft of trade secrets related to higher education. Once designated, the government would move to revoke their visas and initiate deportation proceedings. The bill also expands disclosure requirements for colleges receiving gifts or contracts from foreign sources.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Education and the Workforce, and Foreign Affairs, 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.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill aims to address concerns about foreign intelligence threats to American colleges and universities. It would require the FBI to designate certain foreign actors as threats if they have engaged in espionage, visa misuse, or theft of trade secrets related to higher education. Once designated, the government would move to revoke their visas and initiate deportation proceedings. The bill also expands disclosure requirements for colleges receiving gifts or contracts from foreign sources.
Last updated: 12/30/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><b>Stop Higher Education Espionage and Theft Act of </b><strong></strong><b>2023</b></p> <p>This bill establishes a process for designating foreign actors as foreign intelligence threats to higher education.</p> <p>Specifically, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) must designate a foreign actor as a foreign intelligence threat to higher education if the foreign actor has committed, attempted to commit, or conspired to commit certain actions in connection with an institution of higher education (IHE), such as espionage, misuse of visas, or theft of trade secrets. Prior to making such a designation, the FBI must submit notice to Congress and the Department of Justice. </p> <p>Upon the designation of a foreign actor as a threat, the Department of State must revoke the nonimmigrant visa issued to the foreign actor present in the United States, and the Department of Homeland Security must initiate removal proceedings against the foreign actor. </p> <p>Additionally, the bill provides for judicial review and a process for revoking a foreign actor's designation as a threat.</p> <p>Finally, the bill also expands disclosure requirements related to foreign gifts or contracts, including by requiring an IHE to disclose to the Department of Education any gift or contract with a foreign intelligence threat, including the fair market value of the gift or contract.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Requires the FBI to designate certain foreign actors as intelligence threats to higher education institutions
Mandates the revocation of visas and deportation proceedings for designated foreign threats
Expands disclosure requirements for colleges receiving foreign gifts or contracts
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
If enacted, this bill could affect international students, researchers, and educators at American colleges and universities, as well as the institutions themselves. It could lead to the removal of some foreign individuals from the U.S. and create additional reporting burdens for higher ed institutions with international partnerships or funding.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Education
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
1146, 119th Congress (2025). "No More Funding for NPR Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-1146
