Us Congress Senate Bill SB360

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/9/23
• Refer: 2/9/23

Caption

Stop Higher Education Espionage and Theft Act of 2023

Impact

One significant change introduced by SB360 is the authority granted to the Department of Homeland Security to revoke the nonimmigrant visas of those identified as foreign intelligence threats. Should a visa be revoked, the individual must leave the country within ten days, or face expedited removal procedures. Furthermore, institutions receiving substantial foreign gifts or contracts of various kinds must disclose such relationships, fostering transparency and accountability in their financial dealings.

Summary

SB360, known as the Stop Higher Education Espionage and Theft Act of 2023, is designed to confront the risk posed by foreign actors who may seek to exploit American institutions of higher education for espionage or theft. The bill expands the definition of foreign actors to include foreign governments, political organizations, and entities under their control. It mandates a designation process for these foreign actors deemed threats to academic integrity and security, primarily those involved in activities like economic espionage and the misuse of student visas.

Contention

While the bill aims to fortify national security and protect intellectual property within academic institutions, it may also raise concerns about academic freedom and the potential stigmatization of certain international students and researchers. Critics argue that the broad definitions of foreign actors could lead to overreach, impacting legitimate educational exchanges and collaborations. Proponents, on the other hand, assert that the measures are necessary to prevent the theft of sensitive technologies and maintain the integrity of the United States educational system.