House GOP Pushes Ban on Student Visas for Chinese Nationals Amid Security Concerns

Republican lawmakers are advancing legislation to ban student visas for Chinese nationals, citing national security threats. Representative Riley Moore seeks to introduce the Stop CCP Visas Act, highlighting cases of alleged espionage. The bill faces opposition from Asian American and progressive groups who argue against blanket bans.

Republican lawmakers in the House are intensifying efforts to pass legislation that would prohibit Chinese nationals from obtaining student visas in the United States, according to a Fox News report. U.S. Representative Riley Moore has articulated concerns over what he perceives as the Chinese Communist Party's exploitation of the academic visa program.

Moore plans to introduce the Stop Chinese Communist Prying by Vindicating Intellectual Safeguards in Academia Act, or Stop CCP Visas Act, this coming Friday. The bill is currently seeking co-sponsors, with Representatives Andy Ogles, Scott Perry, and Brandon Gill reportedly backing the measure. Moore asserts that the visa program enables espionage, threatening U.S. national security.

Highlighting past incidents, Moore pointed to the FBI's arrest of five Chinese nationals on student visas last year for allegedly photographing military exercises. Meanwhile, Asian American and progressive groups have criticized such legislative efforts, arguing they unfairly target Chinese students and hinder international education exchanges.

(With inputs from agencies.)