Legislative Activity

The Student Visa Security Improvement Act aims to bolster national security by enhancing background checks for individuals applying for student visas (F, J, and M visas). It mandates stricter monitoring of student and exchange visitor programs, ensuring active participation and timely reporting of any changes. The Act also expands access to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) for institutions and exchange programs and allows for the immediate decertification of programs posing security threats. Additionally, it requires a review of program fees and biannual reports on compliance and data analysis.

The "Retired Pay Restoration Act" expands eligibility for military retirees to receive both retired pay and veteran's disability compensation, regardless of disability rating. It removes the previous requirement that retirees have a service-connected disability rated at 50% or higher to receive both payments. This change ensures that qualified retirees, excluding certain Chapter 61 retirees, can receive both benefits without reduction. The act takes effect on January 1, 2021, applying to payments for months beginning on or after that date.