To amend section 287 of the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to certain uniform requirements for United States immigration officers.

House Bill

H.R. 3172

119th Congress

To amend section 287 of the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to certain uniform requirements for United States immigration officers.

In Committee

Introduced:Jun 3, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Christopher H. Smith

Representative

Republican

NJ-4

Cosponsors

4

Quick Stats

Policy Area

International Affairs

Summary

This bill aims to address human rights issues in Vietnam. It requires the U.S. government to help secure the release of political and religious prisoners, distribute tools to bypass internet censorship, and monitor and combat sex trafficking of Vietnamese women. The bill also restricts foreign aid from being used to assist the Vietnamese government's cyberespionage activities.

Latest Action

Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, 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.

SponsorChristopher H. Smith (R-NJ)

Introduced6/3/2025

StatusReferred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

ChamberHouse

Data from Congress.gov

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Vote Prediction

To amend section 287 of the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to certain uniform requirements for United States immigration officers.

This bill aims to address human rights issues in Vietnam. It requires the U.S. government to help secure the release of political and religious prisoners, distribute tools to bypass internet censorship, and monitor and combat sex trafficking of Vietnamese wome

Community Breakdown

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Fail

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This bill aims to address human rights issues in Vietnam. It requires the U.S. government to help secure the release of political and religious prisoners, distribute tools to bypass internet censorship, and monitor and combat sex trafficking of Vietnamese women. The bill also restricts foreign aid from being used to assist the Vietnamese government's cyberespionage activities.

Bill Number: 3172
Sponsor: Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ)
Introduced: 6/3/2025
Status: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Policy Area: International Affairs

Data from Congress.gov

AI-generated summary

Fact Sheet

Title: To amend section 287 of the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to certain uniform requirements for United States immigration officers.
Bill Number: 3172
Sponsor: Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ)
Status: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced: 6/3/2025
Summary: This bill aims to address human rights issues in Vietnam. It requires the U.S. government to help secure the release of political and religious prisoners, distribute tools to bypass internet censorship, and monitor and combat sex trafficking of Vietnamese women. The bill also restricts foreign aid f

Data from Congress.gov

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill aims to address human rights issues in Vietnam. It requires the U.S. government to help secure the release of political and religious prisoners, distribute tools to bypass internet censorship, and monitor and combat sex trafficking of Vietnamese women. The bill also restricts foreign aid from being used to assist the Vietnamese government's cyberespionage activities.

Last updated: 12/30/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Vietnam Human Rights Act This bill requires actions related to human rights in Vietnam and addresses related issues. The Department of State must assist eligible individuals and entities working to secure the release of political and religious prisoners in Vietnam. The Office of Internet Freedom within the U.S. Agency for Global Media and the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor within the State Department shall prioritize (1) the immediate distribution of censorship circumvention tools for computers and smartphones in Vietnam; and (2) projects to ensure the safety and privacy of bloggers, journalists, and human rights defenders in Vietnam. Foreign assistance may not be used to assist any unit of the Vietnamese government engaged in cyberespionage activities. The State Department may establish programs to (1) monitor and halt sex trafficking of women from Vietnam and other Asian countries, and (2) address Vietnam's growing sex-ratio disparity. The bill also requires various reports to Congress, including reports on (1) persons subject to U.S. sanctions for human rights violations in Vietnam, (2) a strategy to promote internet freedom in Vietnam, and (3) cyberespionage activities sanctioned by the Vietnamese government targeting Vietnamese dissidents and human rights advocates living outside of Vietnam.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Requires U.S. government assistance to help secure the release of political and religious prisoners in Vietnam
Directs the U.S. to prioritize distribution of censorship circumvention tools and projects to ensure the safety of bloggers, journalists, and human rights defenders in Vietnam
Prohibits foreign aid from being used to assist the Vietnamese government's cyberespionage activities
Calls for programs to monitor and address sex trafficking of Vietnamese women and the country's growing sex-ratio disparity

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

If this bill becomes law, it would likely have a significant impact on the Vietnamese government and its treatment of political dissidents and human rights advocates. It could also help protect vulnerable Vietnamese citizens, especially women, from exploitation. The bill's provisions could lead to increased diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Vietnam, as well as potential changes in U.S. foreign aid and assistance programs.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

International Affairs

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

3172, 119th Congress (2025). "To amend section 287 of the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to certain uniform requirements for United States immigration officers.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-3172