Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12) announced the introduction of the Student Visa Security Improvement Act, aiming to close loopholes in the student visa program that have long raised national security concerns.
With an estimated 1.1 million people participating in the program annually, approximately 50,000 foreign students overstay their visas each year, according to recent data.
Bilirakis emphasized that the proposed legislation seeks to enhance oversight and enforcement to prevent abuses and bolster U.S. security, particularly in light of vulnerabilities exposed by past security incidents such as the 9/11 attacks.
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“Strengthening national security begins with addressing systemic flaws in our immigration processes,” Bilirakis said. “This legislation ensures that we have a more robust system to vet applicants and monitor compliance, safeguarding against those who exploit the program and overstay their welcome.”
The Student Visa Security Improvement Act includes several measures aimed at tightening oversight:
- Enhanced Vetting: ICE agents stationed overseas will review student visa applications and conduct in-person interviews before granting visas.
- Regular Check-Ins: Foreign students in the U.S. will be required to check in more frequently to verify their active participation in their academic programs.
- School Accountability: Educational institutions must promptly report if a foreign student stops attending classes.
- Decertification Penalties: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would have the authority to decertify schools found defrauding the student visa process.
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The bill draws on recommendations from the 9/11 Commission, which identified failures in the immigration system, including the student visa program, as critical weaknesses. Several of the 9/11 hijackers entered the U.S. on short-term visas, and stronger vetting procedures could have potentially flagged them.
“Despite clear warnings from the 9/11 Commission more than two decades ago, critical gaps in the student visa program remain unaddressed,” Bilirakis noted. “This legislation seeks to prevent these security lapses from continuing and ensures the system is not exploited.”
The introduction of the bill comes as immigration reform takes center stage under the Trump administration. Bilirakis stressed that securing the border is only part of the solution, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses all aspects of immigration enforcement.
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“True immigration reform requires a comprehensive look at all the ways our current system is being exploited,” Bilirakis said. “This bill is a proactive step to ensure the safety and security of our nation while maintaining the integrity of our immigration system.”
The Student Visa Security Improvement Act is expected to be a key component of Republican efforts to overhaul immigration policies during the first 100 days of the Trump administration. It reflects the broader push to tighten border controls and close gaps in immigration enforcement to address national security and public safety concerns.
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