In a bold legislative move, first-term Rep. Riley Moore has introduced the Stop Chinese Communist Prying by Vindicating Intellectual Safeguards in Academia Act (Stop CCP VISAs Act), which seeks to prohibit all Chinese nationals from obtaining student visas. Moore asserts that the bill is necessary to curb potential espionage threats from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
National Security Concerns and Alleged Espionage Cases
According to Moore, the U.S. grants nearly 300,000 student visas annually to Chinese nationals, creating vulnerabilities that could be exploited for intellectual property theft and military espionage. Supporters of the bill point to specific cases, including:
- A University of Minnesota student sentenced for illegally capturing drone footage of defense sites.
- Five University of Michigan students charged for allegedly monitoring a National Guard training exercise.
- Ji Chaoqun, an Illinois Institute of Technology student, convicted of acting as a foreign agent for China.
“These cases highlight the risk of Chinese nationals exploiting student visas to spy on American institutions,” Moore stated, calling for an immediate ban to “turn off the spigot.”
Political Backing and Legislative Status
The bill is co-sponsored by Reps. Brandon Gill (Texas), Addison McDowell (N.C.), Troy Nehls (Texas), Andy Ogles (Tenn.), and Scott Perry (Pa.). While Moore has announced the legislation, it has yet to appear in Congress’s official repository.
The proposed law states:
“An alien who is a national of the People’s Republic of China may not be issued a visa or otherwise provided status as a non-immigrant … for the purpose of conducting research or pursuing a course of study.”
Criticism and Concerns Over Discrimination
The proposal has sparked strong opposition from civil rights groups and academic leaders. John C. Yang, president of Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC), condemned the bill as “xenophobic and exclusionary.”
“History has shown us that broad bans based on nationality do not enhance security but instead fuel prejudice and division,” Yang argued, warning that such policies could drive international students to other countries, harming America’s leadership in technology, research, and innovation.
Conclusion
Moore’s Stop CCP VISAs Act has ignited a heated debate over national security vs. academic openness. While supporters claim it will protect U.S. intellectual property and defense, critics warn of its potential economic and diplomatic fallout. As the legislation progresses, it is expected to face significant scrutiny and opposition from universities, tech leaders, and civil rights advocates.
