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119-s-2502119th Congress

Preventing the Forced Return of Uyghurs Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Senator Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

Introduced

Summary

Deny U.S. entry to officials responsible for forced repatriation of Uyghurs or other people likely to face persecution if returned to the People's Republic of China. The bill would also require referral to the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control to consider blocking their property and financial transactions in the United States.

Show full summary
  • Uyghur and other at-risk communities: Seeks to deter forced returns by targeting officials who order or carry out deportations to China.
  • Targeted officials: Current or former government officials found responsible or complicit would be barred from U.S. visas, admission, and immigration benefits, subject to a waiver provision.
  • U.S. enforcement and Treasury: When the bar is applied a referral must go to OFAC to decide whether to use sanctions to block transfers of property and all financial transactions in the United States.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Visa Ban and Treasury Sanctions for Officials

If enacted, the Secretary of State could not issue visas to certain current or former foreign officials. The ban would apply when the Secretary finds an official forced Uyghurs or others likely to face persecution back to China. The Attorney General and Homeland Security would also be barred from admitting those officials or granting immigration status. When the denial is applied, the State Department must send the case to Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control to consider blocking U.S. property and transactions. The Secretary could waive the ban for national interest or changed circumstances. These rules would take effect on enactment and end five years later.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

OR • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]

    TX • R

    Sponsored 7/29/2025

  • Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL]

    FL • R

    Sponsored 10/20/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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