Summary of HR 2204 (Introduced March 18, 2025)
A concise, nonpartisan overview of the bill’s purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts.
Overview
HR 2204 would require certain U.S. higher education institutions to report to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) when a student on a J-1 or F-1 nonimmigrant visa participates in activities in support of, or endorses, a designated foreign terrorist organization (FTO). If such participation is established, the Secretary of State would revoke the student’s visa, and the Secretary of Homeland Security would initiate removal proceedings under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Key Provisions
- Immediate Reporting Requirement
- An institution of higher education must immediately report to SEVIS if a student holding a J-1 or F-1 visa has participated in activity in support of, or as an endorsement of, a foreign terrorist organization.
- Visa Revocation
- The Secretary of State must revoke the affected visa if it is determined that the student’s participation is established.
- Removal Proceedings
- If a visa is revoked under this section, the Secretary of Homeland Security must initiate removal proceedings against the student under the INA.
- Definitions (as used in the bill)
- Foreign Terrorist Organization: An organization designated as an FTO under INA section 219 (8 U.S.C. 1189).
- Institution of Higher Education: An approved institution subject to section 641 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1372).
- SEVIS: The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System of the Department of Homeland Security.
- Scope of Status
- Applies to students with nonimmigrant status under F (F-1) or J (J-1) categories.
Affected Parties
- Institutions of higher education with F-1 or J-1 students
- Students in F-1 or J-1 visas who engage in activities endorsing or supporting an FTO
- U.S. Department of State (visa revocation decisions)
- Department of Homeland Security (initiation of removal proceedings)
- SEVIS (data system for student-visa information)
Procedural and Timeline Considerations
- Introduction and Referral: Introduced in the House on March 18, 2025; referred to the Judiciary Committee and the Education and Workforce Committee.
- Jurisdictional Notes: For consideration of provisions within committee jurisdiction; no floor action detailed in the provided text.
- Effective Date: The text does not specify an effective date; assumes applicability upon enactment.
Potential Impacts and Considerations
- Strengthens mechanisms to address alleged support for FTOs by international students.
- Could lead to quicker visa revocation and removal actions in cases of established participation in FTO activity.
- May raise questions about due process, evidentiary standards for “participation” and “endorsement,” and the potential for chilling effects affecting legitimate academic activities.
- Requires ongoing monitoring and coordination among institutions, SEVIS, the Department of State, and DHS.
Legislative Status
- Introduced: March 18, 2025
- Primary sponsor: Nicholas A. Langworthy
- Cosponsors: Brandon Gill, Daniel Webster, Vern Buchanan, Pete Stauber, Paul A. Gosar
- Current action: Referred to Judiciary and Education and Workforce; status to be determined by the Speaker.
