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119-hr-414119th Congress

Student Visa Security Improvement Act

Sponsored By: Representative Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12]

Introduced

Summary

Tightened screening and monitoring of foreign student visas. This bill would expand DHS's role in vetting F, J, and M visa applicants and impose stricter tracking and reporting rules on schools and exchange sponsors through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

Show full summary
  • Students and families: Students would face more frequent identity checks and monitoring. A covered student must not be unobserved for more than 30 days during a term and must be observed at least once every 60 days.
  • Institutions and sponsors: Schools and exchange sponsors must name at least two certified SEVIS users and add one extra user for every 200 covered students at a site. They must report transfers, major academic changes, and other updates to DHS within 10 days, provide training for authorized users, and receive technical help for SEVIS use.
  • Federal oversight and data: DHS employees would conduct in-person interviews and on-site reviews for applicants recommended by the State Department before final visa decisions. The Comptroller General must review SEVP fees using fiscal data from 2017–2019 and 2020–2023, and DHS must submit biannual reports on students who fall out of compliance and on institutions' timeliness in reporting.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Tighter checks before student visas

Within 180 days, DHS would set extra review rules for F, J, and M student visas. DHS staff would review cases, do in-person interviews when needed, and run on-site checks of documents. DHS and State would update their agreement to clarify who does what. Some applicants could face more steps and longer wait times.

More monitoring of international students

Schools and sponsors would face tighter tracking rules for F, J, and M students. During a school term, no student could go over 30 days without being observed. Outside a term, the limit would be 60 days, with at least one observation every 60 days. Schools must report transfers, major changes, and other updates within 10 days. The Secretary would add SEVIS fields to track academic standing and timely updates. SEVIS access would require at least two trained users, plus one more per 200 students. An authorized user must be cleared and trained, and observation can be in person or electronic. DHS could decertify a school or program without notice for egregious crime or security threats. Most rules would come by regulation within one year; some parts would start right away.

New reports on student visa program

Twice a year, DHS would report to Congress on students who lose status and on school reporting speed. GAO would review student visa program fees and costs, using data from 2017–2019 and 2020–2023. This review would not change fees by itself but could shape later decisions.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12]

FL • R

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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