Student Visa Security Improvement Act

House Bill

H.R. 414

119th Congress

Student Visa Security Improvement Act

In Committee

Introduced:Jan 15, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Gus M. Bilirakis

Representative

Republican

FL-12

Cosponsors

0

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Immigration

Summary

This bill strengthens screening of student visa applicants, requiring DHS to review applications for terrorist connections and conduct in-person interviews when appropriate. Schools must ensure students actively participate and report transfers or major changes. Enhanced access to tracking systems is available for compliant institutions.

Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill strengthens screening of student visa applicants, requiring DHS to review applications for terrorist connections and conduct in-person interviews when appropriate. Schools must ensure students actively participate and report transfers or major changes. Enhanced access to tracking systems is available for compliant institutions.

Last updated: 1/6/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Student Visa Security Improvement ActThis bill establishes new requirements for foreign student visas and participating educational institutions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must review the applications of student visa applicants and conduct in-person interviews when appropriate to determine whether they are inadmissible due to terrorist-related activities. DHS must also conduct on-site reviews of applications and supporting documents deemed appropriate prior to final adjudication.Institutions and exchange student visitor programs must ensure that student visa-holders are active participants in the program. Students must be regularly observed and must be reported on if they transfer or change majors. The bill also provides for enhanced access to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System for institutions and programs that meet staffing and training requirements.The Government Accountability Office must review the fees for the Student and Exchange Visitor program.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Strengthens screening of student visa applicants
Requires terrorist-related activity checks
Mandates monitoring of student participation
Schools must report transfers and major changes
Enhances access to student tracking systems

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Foreign student visa applicants would face more thorough security screening. Schools must actively monitor student attendance and report significant changes. This addresses concerns about student visa holders who may pose security risks or overstay their authorization.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Immigration

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

414, 119th Congress (2025). "Student Visa Security Improvement Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-414