Summary#
This bill is called the Student Visa Security Improvement Act. It tells the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to strengthen background checks and increase monitoring of certain foreign students. The bill focuses on people with visas under subparagraphs (F), (J), and (M) of section 101(a)(15) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (student and exchange visitor visas).
Key actions in the bill:
- DHS must, within 180 days, write rules so assigned DHS employees review applications for those student and exchange visitor visas that the State Department recommends. The rules may require in-person interviews and special checks to see if applicants are barred because of terrorist activity (section 212(a)(3)(B)).
- DHS employees may do on-site reviews of visa applications and supporting documents before a final decision. DHS must update the memorandum of understanding with the State Department to clarify roles.
- The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) rules will require schools and program sponsors to ensure each covered student is an active participant, not unobserved for more than 30 days during an academic term or more than 60 days otherwise, and to report transfers, changes of major, or other required information within 10 days.
- Regardless of other rules, each covered student must be observed at least once every 60 days. The bill defines "observed" as being positively identified by physical or electronic means.
- SEVIS (or a successor system) access rules: each participating institution must name at least two authorized users, add one more user per 200 covered students, and require each user to complete DHS training. DHS must provide technical support and update SEVIS to add fields for verifying academic performance and timely entry of required data.
- DHS can decertify an institution or sponsor without notice if it is involved in egregious criminal activity or is a national security threat.
- The Comptroller General (GAO) must review SEVP fees and compare fiscal years 2017–2019 to 2020–2023 and consider fees collected and related expenses.
- DHS must send a biannual report to relevant congressional committees about students who fall out of compliance and about institutions' reporting and timeliness.
What it means for you#
- For students on F, J, or M visas: you may face more thorough background checks, possible in-person interviews, and more frequent monitoring or required check-ins.
- For schools and exchange program sponsors: you must track students more closely, report transfers or major changes within 10 days, name and train authorized SEVIS users (at least two, plus one per 200 students), and enter new SEVIS data fields such as academic performance. Failure to follow rules could lead to decertification.
- For DHS and the State Department: staff will carry out more application reviews, interviews, and on-site checks; they must update interagency roles and provide training and technical support for SEVIS.
- For Congress and oversight: GAO will review SEVP fees and DHS will deliver biannual compliance reports.
Expenses#
The bill requires actions that could have costs, such as hiring or assigning staff to review applications and do on-site checks, conducting more in-person interviews, providing training and certification for SEVIS users, upgrading SEVIS or a successor system, and producing biannual reports. The bill itself does not include a cost estimate.
No publicly available information on estimated budgetary costs or the financial impact of these requirements is included in the bill text or metadata.
Proponents' View#
No publicly available information.
Opponents' View#
No publicly available information.