Protecting Small Business Competitions Act of 2025

Senate Bill

S. 2656

119th Congress

Protecting Small Business Competitions Act of 2025

In Committee

Introduced:Aug 1, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Edward J. Markey

Senator

Democratic

MA

Cosponsors

0

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Immigration

Summary

This bill would require certain foreign visitors to the United States to provide a cash bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 when applying for a visa. If the visitor overstays their visa, they would forfeit the full bond amount. The forfeited money could then be used to fund detention facilities and transportation for deporting foreign nationals.

Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

SponsorEdward J. Markey (D-MA)

Introduced8/1/2025

StatusRead twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

ChamberSenate

Data from Congress.gov

See this page through your district lens

Enter ZIP to personalize representatives and vote context.

Stay on top of this issue

Subscribe for weekly bill and representative updates.

Vote Prediction

Protecting Small Business Competitions Act of 2025

This bill would require certain foreign visitors to the United States to provide a cash bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 when applying for a visa. If the visitor overstays their visa, they would forfeit the full bond amount. The forfeited money could then b

Community Breakdown

Pass

0%

Fail

0%

0 predictions

This bill would require certain foreign visitors to the United States to provide a cash bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 when applying for a visa. If the visitor overstays their visa, they would forfeit the full bond amount. The forfeited money could then be used to fund detention facilities and transportation for deporting foreign nationals.

Bill Number: 2656
Sponsor: Edward J. Markey (D-MA)
Introduced: 8/1/2025
Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
Policy Area: Immigration

Data from Congress.gov

AI-generated summary

Fact Sheet

Title: Protecting Small Business Competitions Act of 2025
Bill Number: 2656
Sponsor: Edward J. Markey (D-MA)
Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
Introduced: 8/1/2025
Summary: This bill would require certain foreign visitors to the United States to provide a cash bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 when applying for a visa. If the visitor overstays their visa, they would forfeit the full bond amount. The forfeited money could then be used to fund detention facilities and

Data from Congress.gov

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill would require certain foreign visitors to the United States to provide a cash bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 when applying for a visa. If the visitor overstays their visa, they would forfeit the full bond amount. The forfeited money could then be used to fund detention facilities and transportation for deporting foreign nationals.

Last updated: 12/30/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Timely Departure ActThis bill requires certain nonimmigrants to secure a visa with a bond.Under the bill, an applicant for a covered visa category must provide a bond (or cash payment) of at least $5,000 and no more than $15,000 according to rules to be established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Covered visa categories include those for visitors for business or pleasure and exclude those for foreign government officials and crime victims. The bill also specifies that a nonimmigrant seeking asylum or withholding of removal while present in the United States must apply for asylum or withholding of removal by the expiration date on their visa to remain eligible for asylum or withholding of removal.The bill provides that a covered nonimmigrant who overstays the term of their visa forfeits the full bond, is subject to removal, and is ineligible for any lawful immigration status (including adjustment of status) for at least 4 years and up to 12 years. Forfeited amounts may be used solely for detention facilities for non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) and international transportation for non-U.S. nationals ordered removed from the United States.The bill specifies that DHS, in implementing this bill, may only issue rules regarding (1) the collection and retention of bonds and cash payments, (2) the notification of the Attorney General regarding a nonimmigrant's failure to timely depart, and (3) preventing the circumvention of the bond requirement.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Requires certain foreign visitors to provide a cash bond when applying for a visa, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.
If the visitor overstays their visa, they would forfeit the full bond amount.
Forfeited bond money could be used to fund detention facilities and deportation of foreign nationals.

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This bill would primarily affect foreign nationals visiting the U.S. for business or pleasure. It could make it more difficult and expensive for some visitors to enter the country, potentially impacting tourism, business travel, and family visits. The increased use of bonds and forfeitures could also provide additional funding for immigration enforcement and deportation efforts.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Immigration

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

2656, 119th Congress (2025). "Protecting Small Business Competitions Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-2656