Colleges must report students on F1 or J1 visas who support foreign terrorist groups to immigration authorities for potential visa revocation and deportation.
Nicholas Langworthy
Representative
NY-23
This bill mandates that higher education institutions report students on F1 or J1 visas to SEVIS if they endorse or support a foreign terrorist organization. Upon confirmation, the student's visa will be revoked, and deportation proceedings will commence.
Colleges Face Mandate to Report International Students Supporting Terror Groups; Bill Triggers Visa Revocation, Deportation
A new piece of legislation lays down a strict requirement for colleges and universities: they must report international students on F-1 or J-1 visas if the institution becomes aware that the student has 'endorsed or supported' a designated foreign terrorist organization (FTO). This reporting goes directly into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The bill defines FTOs based on existing designations under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
From Report to Removal: How It Works
The process outlined is swift and severe. Once a college notifies SEVIS about a student's alleged support for an FTO, the bill mandates the Secretary of State to revoke that student's visa. Following the revocation, the Department of Homeland Security is required to initiate deportation proceedings. There's no ambiguity in the required actions once a report is deemed credible by the authorities; the consequences are automatic according to the bill's text.
The Murky Middle: Defining 'Support'
A key challenge lies in interpreting what constitutes 'endorsement or support' of an FTO. The bill doesn't explicitly define these terms, leaving room for interpretation by college administrators and potentially federal agencies. This ambiguity raises questions: Could participating in certain protests, signing petitions, or engaging in online discussions be construed as 'support'? This lack of clarity could create difficult situations for both students and the institutions tasked with reporting, potentially impacting free speech and academic discourse on campus. Students might hesitate to express opinions or associate with certain groups for fear of misinterpretation and severe consequences.
Campus Impact and Student Concerns
This legislation places a significant new monitoring and reporting burden on higher education institutions. Beyond the administrative task, it could foster a climate of suspicion and fear among international students, particularly those from regions with active FTOs or strained relations with the U.S. The potential for subjective judgment in determining 'support' might lead to students feeling unfairly targeted based on their nationality, religion, or political views. The direct line from an accusation of 'support' to visa revocation and deportation proceedings underscores the high stakes involved for students under this proposed law.