H.R. 7063

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7063 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7063

To improve student and exchange visitor visa programs.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

January 14, 2026

Mr. Gill of Texas (for himself, Mr. Nehls, and Mr. Collins) introduced 
the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the 
Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, 
for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case 
for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of 
the committee concerned

_______________________________________________________________________

A BILL

To improve student and exchange visitor visa programs.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Student Visa Integrity Act of 
2026''.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act:
(1) SEVIS.--The term ``SEVIS'' means the Student and 
Exchange Visitor Information System of the Department of 
Homeland Security.
(2) SEVP.--The term ``SEVP'' means the Student and Exchange 
Visitor Program of the Department of Homeland Security.

SEC. 3. INCREASED CRIMINAL PENALTIES.

Section 1546(a) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``10 years'' and inserting ``15 years (if the offense was 
committed by an owner, official, employee, or agent of an educational 
institution with respect to such institution's participation in the 
Student and Exchange Visitor Program), 10 years''.

SEC. 4. ACCREDITATION OF ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS.

The Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.) is 
amended--
(1) in section 101(a) (8 U.S.C. 1101(a))--
(A) in paragraph (15)(F)(i)--
(i) by striking ``section 214(l)'' and 
inserting ``section 214(m)'';
(ii) by inserting ``language training 
program,'' after ``elementary school,'';
(iii) by striking ``or in an accredited 
language training program''; and
(iv) by striking ``Attorney General'' each 
place such term appears and inserting 
``Secretary of Homeland Security''; and
(B) by striking paragraph (52); and
(2) in section 214(m) (8 U.S.C. 1184(m)), by adding at the 
end the following:
``(3)(A) The Secretary of Homeland Security or Secretary of State, 
as appropriate, shall require accreditation of an academic institution 
(except for a public elementary or secondary school), language training 
program, or any program of study for which approval under subparagraph 
(F) or (M) of section 101(a)(15), or designation under section 
101(a)(15)(J), is sought or has been granted.
``(B) In this paragraph, the term `accreditation' means 
accreditation by an accrediting agency recognized by the Secretary of 
Education.
``(4)(A) The Secretary of Homeland Security, in the Secretary's 
discretion, may waive the accreditation requirement under paragraph (3) 
if--
``(i) the academic institution concerned is otherwise in 
compliance with subparagraph (F), (J), or (M) of section 
101(a)(15), as applicable, and section 641 of the Illegal 
Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 
U.S.C. 1372);
``(ii) an appropriate accrediting agency recognized by the 
Secretary of Education is able to provide such accreditation; 
and
``(iii) on the date of enactment of this paragraph, the 
academic institution concerned has been a candidate for 
accreditation for not less than 1 year and continues to make 
appropriate progress toward accreditation by an accrediting 
agency recognized by the Secretary of Education.
``(B) A waiver granted under this paragraph may not be valid for a 
period longer than 1 year. Such waiver may be extended in 1-year 
increments, provided the academic institution concerned continues to 
satisfy the requirements of subparagraph (A), up to the maximum length 
of time an academic institution may remain a candidate for 
accreditation with the recognized accrediting agency.
``(C) The Secretary of Homeland Security shall maintain and publish 
a current list of all academic institutions that have been granted a 
waiver under this paragraph.''.

SEC. 5. REPORTING PAYMENT OF TUITION.

Section 641(c)(1) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant 
Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1372(c)(1)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (G), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in subparagraph (H), by striking the period at the end 
and inserting a semicolon; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(I) the date on which full tuition has been paid 
by the alien.''.

SEC. 6. DISCLOSURE OF SCHOOL AFFILIATION WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF THE 
PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA.

Section 641(d) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant 
Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1372(d)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) Supporting documents required for certification.--
Institutions of higher education and other approved educational 
institutions petitioning for certification or recertification 
with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program to authorize the 
attendance of nonimmigrant students described in subparagraph 
(F)(i) or (M)(i) of section 101(a)(15) of the Immigration and 
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)) shall include with such 
petition--
``(A) final copies of any contracts, agreements, or 
documentation of financial transactions between the 
institution or its affiliated student or faculty 
groups, foundations, or related entities and any 
educational, cultural, or language entity that is 
directly or indirectly funded by the Government of the 
People's Republic of China; and
``(B) a detailed description of any financial 
contributions from the Government of the People's 
Republic of China or its affiliates to any student or 
faculty groups affiliated with such institution.''.

SEC. 7. PENALTIES FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH SEVIS REPORTING 
REQUIREMENTS.

Section 641 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant 
Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1372), as amended by this Act, is 
further amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(1)--
(A) by striking ``institution,,'' each place such 
term appears and inserting ``institution,''; and
(B) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' at the 
end; and
(2) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking 
``institution,,'' and inserting ``institution,''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), as redesignated by section 6, 
by striking ``fails to provide the specified 
information'' and all that follows through the period 
at the end and inserting ``does not comply with all 
reporting requirements set forth in this section, the 
Secretary of Homeland Security or Secretary of State, 
as applicable, shall--
``(A) impose a monetary fine on such institution or 
program in an amount to be determined by the applicable 
Secretary that is not less than $1,000;
``(B)(i) suspend the authority of such institution 
or program to issue the documents described in 
paragraph (1)(B), such as the Form I-20 or DS-2019, 
until the date on which all such reporting requirements 
are met; or
``(ii)(I) in the case of an approved institution of 
higher education, or other approved educational 
institution, terminate the approval of such institution 
under subparagraph (F) or (M) of section 101(a)(15) of 
the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 
1101(a)(15)); and
``(II) in the case of a designated exchange visitor 
program, terminate such designation;
``(C) if all such reporting requirements have not 
been satisfied within the 180-day period after the date 
on which the applicable reporting was required to have 
been made and the penalty described in subparagraph 
(B)(ii) has not already been imposed, impose such 
penalty; and
``(D) if such noncompliance involves the 
information or documentation described in paragraph 
(2), conduct an out-of-cycle review of the institution 
or program.''.

SEC. 8. VISA FRAUD.

(a) Immediate Withdrawal of SEVP Certification.--Section 641(d) of 
the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 
(8 U.S.C. 1372(d)), as amended by this Act, is further amended by 
adding at the end the following:
``(4) Effect of fraud indictment or reasonable suspicion of 
fraud.--If the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Secretary 
of State, as appropriate, knows or has reasonable grounds to 
believe that a principal or a designated school official of an 
approved institution of higher education or other approved 
educational institution, or a principal, responsible officer, 
alternate responsible officer of a designated exchange visitor 
program, has committed fraud or attempted to commit fraud 
relating to any aspect of the program described in subsection 
(a)(1), or if such principal, designated school official, or 
responsible officer or alternate responsible officer, is 
indicted for such fraud, the relevant Secretary may 
immediately, in the Secretary's discretion, impose any of the 
following sanctions:
``(A)(i) In the case of an approved institution of 
higher education, or other approved educational 
institution, suspension, without prior notice, of the 
approval of such institution under subparagraph (F) or 
(M) of section 101(a)(15) of the Immigration and 
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)).
``(ii) In the case of a designated exchange visitor 
program, suspension, without prior notice, of such 
designation.
``(B) Suspension of such official's, responsible 
officer's, or alternate responsible officer's access to 
databases or systems implementing the program described 
in subsection (a)(1).
``(C) Suspension of the authority of such 
institution or program to issue the documents described 
in paragraph (1)(B).''.
(b) Effect of Conviction for Student Visa Fraud.--Section 641(d) of 
the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 
(8 U.S.C. 1372(d)), as amended by this Act, is further amended by 
adding at the end the following:
``(5) Permanent disqualification for convictions.--A 
principal or a designated school official at an approved 
institution of higher education or other approved educational 
institution, or a principal or a responsible officer or 
alternate responsible officer at a designated exchange visitor 
program, shall be permanently disqualified from participation 
in the program described in paragraph (1) and permanently 
ineligible to submit a petition for approval of such 
institution under subparagraph (F) or (M) of section 101(a)(15) 
of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)) 
if he or she is convicted of a violation, punishable by a term 
of imprisonment of more than 1 year, of any of the following:
``(A) Section 274 of the Immigration and 
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324) (relating to unlawful 
bringing of aliens into the United States).
``(B) Section 1546 of title 18, United States Code 
(relating to fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and 
other documents) relating to an academic institution's 
participation in the Student and Exchange Visitor 
Program.
``(C) Chapter 37 of title 18, United States Code 
(relating to espionage and censorship).
``(D) Chapter 77 of title 18, United States Code 
(relating to peonage, slavery and trafficking in 
persons).
``(E) Chapter 117 of title 18, United States Code 
(relating to transportation for illegal sexual activity 
and related crimes).''.

SEC. 9. ELIGIBILITY REVIEWS AND PROGRAM INTEGRITY.

(a) In General.--Section 641(d) of the Illegal Immigration Reform 
and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1372(d)), as amended 
by this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
``(6) Eligibility review requirement.--
``(A) In general.--An individual may not serve as a 
principal or designated school official at an approved 
institution of higher education or other approved 
educational institution, or as a principal, responsible 
officer, or alternate responsible officer at a 
designated exchange visitor program, or be granted 
access to any database or system implementing the 
program described in subsection (a)(1) unless the 
individual is a citizen or national of the United 
States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent 
residence and, except as provided in subparagraph (D), 
during the immediately preceding 4-year period--
``(i) the Secretary of Homeland Security 
has--
``(I) conducted a thorough 
eligibility review of the individual, 
including--
``(aa) a review of the 
individual's criminal and sex 
offender history; and
``(bb) a verification of 
the individual's immigration 
status; and
``(II) determined that--
``(aa) the individual has, 
to the satisfaction of the 
Secretary of Homeland Security, 
been determined eligible after 
the review required under 
subclause (I);
``(bb) the individual has 
not been found to have violated 
the immigration laws; and
``(cc) in the discretion of 
the Secretary of Homeland 
Security, the individual is not 
a risk to public safety or the 
national security of the United 
States; and
``(ii) the individual has successfully 
completed an on-line training course on the 
program described in subsection (a)(1) and any 
database or system implementing such program, 
which has been developed by the Secretary.
``(B) Designated school officials and responsible 
officers.--
``(i) In general.--More than one individual 
shall serve as a designated school official or 
responsible officer, as applicable.
``(ii) Reviews by the secretary.--If an 
individual serving as designated school 
official or responsible officer under clause 
(i) does not successfully complete the 
background check required by subparagraph 
(A)(i)(I), the Secretary of Homeland Security 
shall review a representative, statistically 
significant sample of the documents described 
in paragraph (1)(B) issued by such designated 
school official or responsible officer.
``(iii) Termination.--Notwithstanding the 
satisfaction of an eligibility review under 
subparagraph (A) by a principal, designated 
school official, responsible officer, or 
alternate responsible officer, the Secretary of 
Homeland Security may, in the discretion of the 
Secretary, terminate or suspend such 
principal's, official's, or officer's access to 
databases or systems implementing the program 
described in subsection (a)(1), based on 
information relating to such principal's, 
official's, or officer's eligibility reviewed 
by the Secretary at any time other than the 
period for eligibility review described in 
subparagraph (A).
``(C) Direct and third-party promoters and 
recruiters.--
``(i) Rules and standards.--Direct and 
third-party promoters of an approved 
institution of higher education or other 
approved educational institution shall comply 
with the rules and standards prescribed by the 
Secretary of Homeland Security to oversee such 
promotion and recruitment, including--
``(I) registration with U.S. 
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, 
which the Secretary shall make publicly 
available;
``(II) minimum qualifications;
``(III) guidelines for representing 
study opportunities in the United 
States, generally, and with such 
approved institutions specifically, to 
foreign nationals; and
``(IV) permissible fee 
arrangements.
``(ii) Effect of violation.--If the 
Secretary of Homeland Security determines, in 
the Secretary's unreviewable discretion, that a 
direct or third-party promoter or recruiter has 
violated any rule or standard described in 
clause (i), the Secretary shall suspend or 
permanently bar such individual from 
association with an approved institution.
``(iii) Compliance.--Each approved 
institution shall maintain a written agreement 
between the approved institution and each 
direct or third-party promoter or recruiter 
operating on behalf of such approved 
institution that outlines the rules and 
standards prescribed under clause (i).
``(D) Definitions.--In this paragraph:
``(i) Principal.--The term `principal' 
means an individual who is considered to be an 
owner or in a position of substantive authority 
to make policy, operational, or managerial 
decisions affecting academic programs or the 
entire institution or program at an approved 
institution of higher education, other approved 
educational institution, or designated exchange 
visitor program.
``(ii) Substantive authority.--With respect 
to the position of an individual, the term 
`substantive authority' mean the individual 
serves as an administrator, officer, board 
member, manager, executive, general partner, 
fiduciary, or in a similar position.
``(E) Review period.--A person already serving in a 
position described in subparagraph (A) on the date of 
the enactment of this paragraph shall undergo an 
eligibility review during the 5-year period immediately 
following such date of enactment of this Act and 
thereafter according to the timetable described in such 
subparagraph.
``(7) Fee.--The Secretary of Homeland Security is 
authorized to collect a fee from an approved institution of 
higher education or other approved educational institution, or 
designated exchange visitor program, for each eligibility 
review conducted under paragraph (6)(A)(i). The amount of such 
fee shall be equal to the average amount expended by the 
Secretary to conduct such eligibility review.
``(8) Financial responsibility.--An approved institution of 
higher education or other approved educational institution may 
require tuition payment before issuing a document described in 
paragraph (1)(B).
``(9) Transfer students.--An approved institution of higher 
education or other approved educational institution may not 
issue a document described in paragraph (1)(B) to an alien 
student seeking to transfer from one approved institution to 
another.
``(10) Commitment to major or program.--An alien student 
shall not have the ability to change their program of study or 
intended major as reported on their Form I-20.
``(11) Audits and site visits.--Each fiscal year the 
Secretary of Homeland Security or the Secretary of State, as 
appropriate, shall perform a site visit and audit of not less 
than 1 percent of the approved institutions of higher education 
or other approved educational institutions that maintain, in 
the databases or systems implementing the program described in 
subsection (a)(1), 1 or more students who have graduated from a 
course of study at such institution.
``(12) Employer requirements.--
``(A) In general.--The lawful employer of an alien 
student described in subsection (a)(1)(A) shall--
``(i) be registered and a participant in 
good standing in the electronic employment 
verification program initiated in section 403 
of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant 
Responsibility Act of 1996 (division C of 
Public Law 104-208; 8 U.S.C. 1324a note);
``(ii) report to the alien's institution of 
higher education or other approved educational 
institution--
``(I) the position that the alien 
is filling;
``(II) the location of the alien's 
worksite;
``(III) the wage that the alien 
will be paid; and
``(IV) within 48 hours--
``(aa) the termination of 
the alien from the employment;
``(bb) the resignation of 
the alien from employment; or
``(cc) the failure of the 
alien to report for work for a 
period of 5 consecutive work 
days without the consent of the 
employer; and
``(iii) as a condition precedent of such 
employment, attest under penalty of perjury to 
the Secretary of Labor that--
``(I) the student will not replace 
a full-time or part-time United States 
worker (as defined in section 212(t)(4) 
of the Immigration and Nationality Act 
(8 U.S.C. 1182(t)(4))); and
``(II) the terms and conditions of 
the employment, including duties, 
hours, and compensation, are 
commensurate with terms and conditions 
applicable to the employer's similarly 
situated United States workers in the 
area of employment.
``(B) Limitation on employment authorization.--The 
Secretary of Homeland Security shall not grant 
employment authorization to an alien student described 
in subsection (a)(1)(A)--
``(i) during a period of at least 1 year to 
work for, either directly or indirectly, an 
employer that the Secretary of Labor has found 
to have failed to meet the requirements under 
clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph (A);
``(ii) during a period of at least 3 years 
to work for, either directly or indirectly, an 
employer that the Secretary of Labor has found 
to have failed to meet the requirements under 
clause (iii) of subparagraph (A); and
``(iii) during a period of at least 10 
years to work for, either directly or 
indirectly, an employer that the Secretary of 
Labor has found, after notice and opportunity 
for a hearing, to have willfully failed to meet 
the requirements under clause (iii) of 
subparagraph (A).''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect on the date that is 1 year after the date of the enactment of 
this Act.

SEC. 10. REVOCATION OF AUTHORITY TO ISSUE A VISA ELIGIBILITY DOCUMENT 
TO NONIMMIGRANT STUDENTS OF UNCERTIFIED FLIGHT TRAINING 
PROVIDERS.

Immediately upon the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
Homeland Security shall prohibit any flight training provider from 
receiving SEVP certification and rescind the SEVP certification of any 
flight training provider if the flight training provider has not been 
certificated to the satisfaction of the Secretary and by the Federal 
Aviation Administration pursuant to part 141 or part 142 of title 14, 
Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).

SEC. 11. REVOCATION OF ACCREDITATION.

(a) Notification.--An accrediting agency or association that is 
required to notify the Secretary of Education and the appropriate State 
licensing or authorizing agency of the final denial, withdrawal, 
suspension, or termination of accreditation of an institution pursuant 
to section 496 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1099b) 
shall also notify the Secretary of Homeland Security and Secretary of 
State of such determination within 30 days of such withdrawal, 
suspension, or termination.
(b) Termination of Approval.--Upon receipt of the notification 
described in paragraph (1), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall 
terminate the approval of such institution under subparagraph (F) or 
(M) of section 101(a)(15) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 
U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)).

SEC. 12. TRACKING NONIMMIGRANT ALIENS ENGAGED IN STUDY IN THE UNITED 
STATES.

Subparagraph (A) of section 641(a)(1) of the Illegal Immigration 
Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1372(a)(1)) 
is amended to read as follows:
``(A)(i) have the status, or are applying for the 
status--
``(I) of a nonimmigrant under subparagraph 
(F), (J), or (M) of section 1101(a)(15) of the 
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 
1101(a)(15)); or
``(II) of a nonimmigrant under the 
immigration laws (as defined in section 101(a) 
of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 
U.S.C. 1101(a))) and are pursuing or intend to 
pursue a full course of study at an institution 
or language training program described in 
subparagraph (F) or (M) of section 101(a)(15) 
of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 
U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)); and''.

SEC. 13. LANGUAGE STUDY AND FLIGHT TRAINING IN STUDENT STATUS.

Section 214(m) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 
1184(m)), as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding at the 
end the following:
``(5) Language study and flight training.--
``(A) In general.--
``(i) An alien seeking to participate in a 
language training program may do so only in the 
status of a nonimmigrant under subparagraph 
(F), (J), or (M) of section 101(a)(15).
``(ii) An alien seeking to participate in a 
flight training program may do so only in the 
status of a nonimmigrant under subparagraph (F) 
or (M) of section 101(a)(15).
``(B) Exception.--The requirement in subparagraph 
(A)(ii) shall not apply to occupational training or a 
refresher or continuing education course or seminar, 
where such training, course, or seminar is short-
duration and necessary to maintain a previously 
obtained certification or rating, or otherwise 
professionally required.''.

SEC. 14. PROHIBITION ON FLIGHT TRAINING AND NUCLEAR STUDIES FOR 
NATIONALS OF COUNTRIES OF CONCERN.

(a) In General.--The Secretary of State shall deny a visa to, and 
the Secretary of Homeland Security shall not admit, grant status to, or 
parole into the United States, any alien--
(1) who is a citizen of--
(A) Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Libya, or Syria; or
(B) any country designated by the Secretary of 
State under section 6(j) of the Export Administration 
Act of 1979 (50 U.S.C. 2405) (as continued in effect 
under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act 
(50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.)), section 40 of the Arms 
Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2780), section 620A of 
the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2371), or 
any other provision of law, as a country the government 
of which has repeatedly provided support of acts of 
international terrorism; and
(2)(A) who is an applicant for a visa and who the Secretary 
of State determines seeks to enter the United States--
(i) to participate in coursework at an institution 
of higher education (as defined in section 101(a) of 
the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a))) 
to prepare the alien for a career in--
(I) the energy sector of Iran; or
(II) nuclear science, nuclear engineering, 
or a related field; or
(ii) to participate in coursework or training 
relating to or otherwise engage in flight training, 
aviation maintenance, or flight operations;
(B) who is applying for admission to the United States and 
who the Secretary of Homeland Security determines seeks to 
participate in coursework, training, or activities described in 
subparagraph (A);
(C) who is in the United States and who the Secretary of 
Homeland Security determines is applying to change or extend 
status to participate in such coursework, training, or 
activities; or
(D) who is in the United States and authorized to study, 
and who the Secretary of Homeland Security determines is 
participating in such coursework, training, or activities or 
seeks to change his or her field of study to participate in 
such coursework, training, or activities.
(b) Termination of Status.--The Secretary of Homeland Security 
shall terminate the nonimmigrant status, or otherwise revoke the 
authorization to remain in the United States, of any alien described in 
subsection (a) who is physically present in the United States.
(c) Countries of Concern.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Homeland Security may, in 
the discretion of the Secretary of Homeland Security, and in 
consultation with the Secretary of State and the Director of 
National Intelligence, designate additional countries the 
nationals of which are subject to the restrictions described in 
subsection (a).
(2) Considerations.--In making a designation under 
paragraph (1), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall 
consider whether--
(A) the presence of an alien in the country or area 
concerned increases the likelihood that the alien is a 
credible threat to the national security of the United 
States;
(B) a foreign terrorist organization has a 
significant presence in the country or area; and
(C) the country or area is a safe haven for 
terrorists.
(3) Review.--Not less frequently than annually, the 
Secretary of Homeland Security shall conduct a review of each 
designation made under paragraph (1).
(d) Repeal.--Section 501 of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria 
Human Rights Act of 2012 (22 U.S.C. 8771) is repealed.

SEC. 15. EXCLUSION OF CITIZENS OF ADVERSARIAL COUNTRIES FROM SEEKING 
EDUCATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

(a) In General.--The Secretary of State shall deny a visa to, and 
the Secretary of Homeland Security shall exclude from the United 
States, any alien who is a citizen of a country that has been 
determined to be a foreign adversary that the Secretary of State 
determines seeks to enter the United States to participate in 
coursework at an institution of higher education (as defined in section 
101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a))).
(b) Foreign Adversary Country List.--The following countries are 
considered to be foreign adversaries, as determined by the Secretary of 
State:
(1) The People's Republic of China, including the Hong Kong 
Special Administrative Region and the Macau Special 
Administrative Region (commonly known as ``China'').
(2) The Republic of Cuba (commonly known as ``Cuba'').
(3) The Islamic Republic of Iran (commonly known as 
``Iran'').
(4) The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (commonly 
known as ``North Korea'').
(5) The Russian Federation (commonly known as ``Russia'').
(6) Venezuela under Venezuelan politician Nicolas Maduro 
(commonly known as the ``Maduro Regime'').
(7) Any other country identified by the Secretary of State 
that--
(A) may pose a threat to the United States; or
(B) may be inclined to steal research in a manner 
that could threaten United States national security.
(c) Applicability.--Subsection (a) applies with respect to visa 
applications filed on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 16. REQUIREMENT THAT STUDENTS HAVE A DEFINITE END-DATE FOR 
AUTHORIZED PERIOD OF STAY.

Section 235(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 
1225(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(6) Period of authorized stay.--
``(A) In general.--Aliens admitted to the United 
States under subparagraph (F), (J), or (M) of section 
101(a)(15) to pursue a course of study shall be 
admitted by the Secretary of Homeland Security for a 
definite period of authorized stay not to exceed the 
shorter of the length of their program or 4 years, plus 
the post-study period under subparagraph (B), and shall 
be issued documentation stating the end date of the 
alien's period of stay in the United States, subject to 
the following exceptions:
``(i) Aliens subject to the limitations 
described in subparagraph (D) may be admitted 
only for the applicable period under that 
subparagraph.
``(ii) Aliens whose course of study is in a 
language training program are restricted to an 
aggregate total of 2 years of language study, 
including any school breaks and annual 
vacations.
``(iii) Aliens who are granted status under 
section 101(a)(15)(F)(iii) as border commuter 
students may be admitted only for the semester 
or term dates for the student's current term of 
study.
``(iv) Aliens who are granted status under 
subparagraph (F) or (J) of section 101(a)(15) 
to attend a public high school are restricted 
to an aggregate of not more than 1 year to 
complete their course of study, including any 
school breaks and annual vacations.
``(v) The authorized period of stay for 
dependents admitted under subparagraph (F), 
(J), or (M) of section 101(a)(15) may not 
exceed the authorized period of stay of the 
principal alien.
``(B) Post-study period.--The period of stay 
granted an alien admitted under subparagraph (F), (J), 
or (M) of section 101(a)(15) shall include a 30-day 
period immediately after the conclusion of the alien's 
course of study to prepare for departure from the 
United States, or to otherwise maintain status, except 
that border commuter students and, notwithstanding the 
end date provided on the documentation described in 
subparagraph (A), students who fail to maintain a full 
course of study or otherwise fail to maintain status 
are not eligible for the additional 30-day period of 
stay. Such 30-day period shall also be authorized for 
alien students enrolled at academic institutions whose 
approval under subparagraph (F) or (M) of section 
101(a)(15) has been terminated pursuant to section 
641(d) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant 
Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1372(d)), except 
if the Secretary of Homeland Security knows or has 
reasonable ground to believe the alien was a knowing 
participant in the conduct that led to the termination 
of such institution's approval.
``(C) Extension of stay.--An alien admitted to the 
United States under subparagraph (F), (J), or (M) of 
section 101(a)(15) may apply to extend his or her stay, 
subject to the limitations described in subparagraphs 
(A) and (D).
``(D) Limitations on period of admission.--
``(i) In general.--Subject to the 
discretion of the Secretary of Homeland 
Security, aliens seeking admission under 
subparagraph (F), (J), or (M) of section 
101(a)(15) in the categories described in 
clause (ii) may be admitted only for not more 
than 2 years, or the program end date, 
whichever is shorter, and may be eligible for 
extensions of stay only for additional periods 
of up to 2 years each, or until the program end 
date, whichever is shorter.
``(ii) Categories described.--The 
categories described in this clause are the 
following:
``(I) Aliens from certain countries 
of concern.--Aliens who were born in or 
are citizens of countries designated by 
the Secretary of State under section 
6(j) of the Export Administration Act 
of 1979 (50 U.S.C. 2405) (as continued 
in effect under the International 
Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 
U.S.C. 1701 et seq.)), section 40 of 
the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 
2780), section 620A of the Foreign 
Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 
2371), or any other provision of law, 
as a country the government of which 
has repeatedly provided support of acts 
of international terrorism, or who are 
citizens of countries with a student 
and exchange visitor total overstay 
rate greater than 10 percent.
``(II) Schools not participating in 
e-verify.--
``(aa) In general.--Aliens 
who have been accepted to and 
seek admission to attend, or 
continue attendance, at an 
educational institution that is 
not enrolled in the electronic 
employment verification program 
initiated in section 403 of the 
Illegal Immigration Reform and 
Immigrant Responsibility Act of 
1996 (division C of Public Law 
104-208; 8 U.S.C. 1324a note), 
or if enrolled, is not a 
participant in good standing in 
such verification program, as 
determined by the Secretary of 
Homeland Security.
``(bb) Participants in good 
standing.--Educational 
institutions that are 
participants in good standing 
in a verification program 
described in item (aa) are 
education institutions that 
are--

``(AA) enrolled in 
such verification 
program with respect to 
all of the 
institution's hiring 
sites in the United 
States at the time of 
the alien's admission 
under subparagraph (F), 
(J), or (M) of section 
101(a)(15) or, if the 
alien has already been 
admitted at the time 
this paragraph has gone 
into effect, at the 
time the alien files 
with the Secretary an 
application for an 
extension of or change 
to status under such 
subparagraph; and

``(BB) in 
compliance with all 
requirements of such 
verification program, 
including by verifying 
the employment 
eligibility of newly 
hired employees in the 
United States, and 
continuing to be 
participants in good 
standing in the program 
at any time during 
which an alien is 
pursuing a full-course 
of study at the 
educational 
institution.

``(III) Aliens with a 4-year period 
of admission who become subject to a 2-
year maximum period of admission.--If 
an alien was admitted in F status for a 
4-year period of admission, but the 
Secretary of State makes a designation 
under an authority referenced in 
subclause (I) that would subject the 
alien to the 2-year maximum period of 
admission, then the alien may remain in 
the United States for the remainder of 
the 4-year period; however, if the 
alien departs the United States or 
otherwise be required to apply for 
admission or an extension of stay, the 
alien shall become subject to the 2-
year limitation.
``(E) Interviews.--
``(i) In general.--The Secretary of 
Homeland Security shall, in coordination with 
the Attorney General and the Director of 
National Intelligence, conduct an interview, 
in-person and not by means of remote or virtual 
technology, of any alien--
``(I)(aa) admitted to the United 
States under subparagraph (F), (J), or 
(M) of section 101(a)(15) and seeking 
extension of such status;
``(bb) applying for a change of 
status to status under subparagraph 
(F), (J), or (M) of section 101(a)(15); 
or
``(cc) in nonimmigrant status and 
pursuing a course of study, and who is 
applying for an extension of such 
status; and
``(II)(aa) who is a national of a 
country, described in subparagraph 
(D)(ii)(I), that has been designated by 
the Secretary of State as a country the 
government of which has repeatedly 
provided support of acts of 
international terrorism;
``(bb) who has been the subject of 
a security advisory opinion, including 
a visas mantis, or other security 
screening process relating to the 
transfer of sensitive technology or 
information;
``(cc) who, since the date of the 
admission of the alien, has changed his 
or her field of study to a field that 
would require the initiation of a 
security screening process relating to 
the transfer of sensitive technology or 
information were the alien applying for 
admission;
``(dd) who is described in section 
212(a)(3); or
``(ee) who is in a class of aliens 
described in subclause (I)(aa) 
designated by the Secretary of Homeland 
Security, in coordination with the 
Attorney General and the Director of 
National Intelligence, and who are 
nationals of a country about which the 
Secretary, the Attorney General, or the 
Director of National Intelligence has 
concern poses a significant economic or 
technological espionage threat to the 
United States.
``(ii) Interagency cooperation on 
interviews.--The Secretary of Homeland Security 
shall--
``(I) inform the Attorney General 
and the Director of National 
Intelligence of interviews the 
Secretary of Homeland Security plans to 
conduct under this subparagraph; and
``(II) shall authorize officials of 
the Department of Justice or the 
Directorate of National Intelligence, 
or both, to participate in such 
interviews.''.

SEC. 17. ONLINE STUDY.

Section 214(m) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 
1184(m)), as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding at the 
end the following new paragraph:
``(6) Online education.--
``(A) Online education allowance per session.--
``(i) In general.--Not more than 10 percent 
of the time spent by the alien student in class 
or of the credits earned by the student per 
session may be counted toward the full course 
of study requirement under subparagraph (F) or 
(M) of section 101(a)(15) if the class is taken 
online or through distance education and does 
not require the student's physical attendance 
for classes, examination, or other purposes 
integral to completion of the course of study.
``(ii) Prohibition.--An alien may not be 
admitted under section 101(a)(15)(J) for the 
purpose of study, or granted a change of status 
to status under such section for such purpose, 
if more than 10 percent of the time to be spent 
by the alien in class or of the credits earned 
by the student per session is to be taken 
online or through distance education and does 
not require the student's physical attendance 
for classes, examination, or other purposes 
integral to completion of the course of study.
``(B) Total online education allowance.--For any 
program of study, not more than 10 percent of the total 
time spent in class by an alien student, or of the 
credits earned by the student, in status under 
subparagraph (F) or (M) of section 101(a)(15), or in 
status under section 101(a)(15)(J) for the purpose of 
study, may be for classes taken online or through 
distance education that do not require the student's 
physical attendance for classes, examination, or other 
purposes integral to completion of the course of study.
``(C) Online classes.--For purposes of this 
paragraph, if more than 50 percent of a class is 
conducted online, the entire class shall be considered 
an online class.''.

SEC. 18. CLARIFICATION OF DATA RELEASE EXEMPTION.

Section 641 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant 
Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1372) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (G), by striking 
``and'' at the end;
(ii) in subparagraph (H), by striking the 
period and inserting ``; and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following 
new subparagraph:
``(I) any other information the Secretary of 
Homeland Security considers necessary.''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the 
following: ``Approved institutions of higher education 
or other approved educational institutions shall 
release information about students covered by such Act 
to the Department of Homeland Security as part of such 
program or upon request.''; and
(2) in subsection (d)(2), by inserting ``automatically'' 
before ``revoked or denied.''.

SEC. 19. CLARIFICATION OF REPORTING REQUIREMENT DEADLINE.

Section 641(a)(4) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant 
Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1372(a)(4)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``Not later than 30 days after the deadline 
for registering for classes for an academic term'' and 
inserting ``Not later than 30 days after the program start date 
(in the case of new students) or the next session start date 
(in the case of continuing students) of an academic term''; and
(2) by striking ``shall report to the Immigration and 
Naturalization Service any failure of the alien to enroll or to 
commence participation.'' and inserting ``shall report to the 
Department of Homeland Security any failure to enroll or to 
commence participation by the program start date or next 
session start date, as applicable.''.

SEC. 20. FEE FLEXIBILITY.

Section 641(e)(4)(A) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and 
Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1372(e)(4)(A)) is 
amended--
(1) in the first sentence, by striking ``Attorney General'' 
and inserting ``Secretary of Homeland Security'';
(2) in the third sentence, by striking ``Attorney 
General's'' and inserting ``Secretary of Homeland Security's''; 
and
(3) by striking the second sentence.

SEC. 21. IMPLEMENTATION OF SEVIS II.

(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security and the 
Secretary of State shall complete the deployment of the modernization 
of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (commonly known 
as ``SEVIS II''), which shall address limitations in the original SEVIS 
application by implementing improvements including the following:
(1) Development of an entirely paperless process for all 
activities related to the admission and tracking of 
nonimmigrant students.
(2) Development of a new, person-centric recordkeeping 
system that will unify information about nonimmigrant students 
that the original SEVIS maintained in multiple records.
(b) Recovery of Costs.--To recover the cost of the implementation 
and maintenance of SEVIS II, the Secretary of Homeland Security and the 
Secretary of State may collect fees from any academic institution 
that--
(1) has been approved under subparagraph (F) or (M) of 
section 101(a)(15) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 
U.S.C. 1101(a)(15));
(2) is designated under subparagraph (J) of such section; 
or
(3) is applying for such approval or designation.

SEC. 22. GAO REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION.

Not later than December 31, 2026, the Comptroller General of the 
United States shall submit to the Committee on the Judiciary of the 
Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of 
Representatives a report that assesses the effectiveness of 
implementation by the Secretary of Homeland Security of this Act and 
the amendments made by this Act.

SEC. 23. PROHIBITION ON ISSUANCE OF VISA BEFORE REVIEW OF PAMPHLET ON 
PROTECTIONS FOR DOMESTIC WORKERS AND OTHER NONIMMIGRANTS.

A visa shall not be issued under subparagraph (F), (J), or (M) of 
section 101(a)(15) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 
1101(a)(15)), to pursue a course of study, until the date on which a 
consular officer has provided to and reviewed with the applicant, in 
the applicant's language or in a language the applicant understands, a 
copy of the information and resources pamphlet required by section 202 
of the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection 
Reauthorization Act of 2008 (8 U.S.C. 1375b).
<all>