International
US Republicans move bill to tighten student visa rules, cite fraud and security risks
A Republican congressman has introduced legislation aimed at strengthening oversight of the US student visa programme, citing concerns over fraud, overstays and national security risks.
Rep Brandon Gill of Texas said the proposed Student Visa Integrity Act seeks to address long-standing loopholes in the system. He said the bill would impose fixed end dates for student visas, expand in-person interview requirements and restrict transfers between academic programmes.
The legislation also proposes stricter penalties for institutions and officials involved in visa fraud and would bar students from countries deemed adversarial from studying in the US. Universities would also be required to disclose financial or institutional links with the Chinese government.
A companion bill has been introduced in the Senate by Republican Sen Tommy Tuberville of Alabama. Supporters of the legislation have cited government estimates showing tens of thousands of student visa overstays in recent years.