To require an institution of higher education that becomes aware that a student having nonimmigrant status under subparagraph (F)(i) or (J) of section 101(a)(15) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)) has endorsed or supported a foreign terrorist organization to notify the SEVIS, and for other purposes.
Summary
HB2204 would require institutions of higher education to immediately report to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) when they become aware that a student in F-1 or J-1 nonimmigrant status has participated in activity that supports or endorses a foreign terrorist organization. If the Secretary of State determines that such participation is established, the bill directs the Secretary to revoke the student’s visa. Once a visa is revoked under this process, the Secretary of Homeland Security must initiate removal proceedings under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
The bill defines “foreign terrorist organization” by reference to existing federal law and applies to approved institutions of higher education subject to federal student-exchange reporting requirements. In practical terms, it creates a new mandatory reporting and immigration-enforcement pathway tied to campus awareness of alleged support for designated terrorist groups by certain international students.
Impact
The bill would add a new federal compliance obligation for colleges and universities that host F-1 and J-1 students, requiring them to report qualifying conduct to SEVIS. It would also expand the consequences of such conduct by linking campus reporting to visa revocation by the State Department and removal proceedings by the Department of Homeland Security. The measure would affect international students, higher education institutions, and federal immigration enforcement agencies, while relying on existing definitions in the Immigration and Nationality Act and the federal foreign terrorist organization designation process.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes, the measure appears to be framed as a national security and immigration enforcement proposal rather than a broad higher-education policy change. The sponsors’ choice of language suggests support for stronger action against nonimmigrant students who endorse or assist terrorist organizations. No formal vote history or transcript is available here to show broader bipartisan or partisan reaction, but the bill’s subject matter indicates it is likely to draw strong support from security-focused lawmakers and scrutiny from higher-education and civil-liberties stakeholders.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely to be the scope and implementation of the reporting requirement: colleges would have to determine when they have become “aware” of support or endorsement activity and whether that activity is sufficient to trigger a report. Another likely issue is due process, since the bill ties institutional reporting to visa revocation and removal proceedings based on a determination by the Secretary of State. Critics may argue the standard could chill speech or place universities in the role of monitoring political expression, while supporters are likely to emphasize preventing support for designated terrorist organizations and protecting campus and national security.
A bill for an act providing penalties for certain nonimmigrant visa holders attending or employed by certain institutions of higher education who express support for certain terrorist activities or organizations and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HF 115.)
A bill for an act providing penalties for certain nonimmigrant visa holders attending or employed by certain institutions of higher education who express support for certain terrorist activities or organizations and including effective date provisions.(See HF 576.)
States findings of the Legislature and recognizes the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations as foreign terrorist organizations that are overtly hostile to the people and institutions of the State of Idaho.
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.