Bill > HR414

This bill aims to strengthen the monitoring and background check procedures for foreign students in the United States through several key provisions. The bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enhance student visa background checks by mandating that employees review all visa applications for students (F, J, and M visas) with special attention to potential terrorist activities, conduct in-person interviews when appropriate, and perform on-site reviews of applications. The bill also significantly updates the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) by requiring institutions to closely track and report on international students, ensuring they remain active participants in their designated programs. Specifically, students must not be unobserved for more than 30 days during an academic term or 60 days otherwise, and must be reported within 10 days of any significant changes like transferring institutions or changing majors. The legislation introduces more stringent monitoring requirements, including requiring observation of students at least once every 60 days and providing enhanced access to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) for authorized institutional users. Additionally, the bill allows DHS to decertify institutions involved in criminal activities or posing national security risks and mandates biannual reporting to congressional committees about student visa compliance and tracking.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/414/all-info