Us Congress House Bill HB2866

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/10/25
• Refer: 4/10/25

Caption

No Visas for Anti-Semitic Students Act

Impact

This legislation could result in significant changes to federal immigration policies pertaining to nonimmigrant students. By allowing the Secretary of State to revoke student visas on the grounds of antisemitic behavior, it creates a precedent for monitoring the conduct of nonimmigrant students in a way that intertwines domestic immigration law with international human rights expectations. Furthermore, it establishes a narrow definition of antisemitic behavior, which could streamline the process for handling violations but may also raise legal and ethical concerns about freedom of speech and civil liberties.

Summary

House Bill 2866, titled the 'No Visas for Anti-Semitic Students Act,' aims to authorize the Secretary of State to revoke or deny visas for students involved in antisemitic activities. The bill establishes that students who engage in conduct defined as antisemitic will not only face visa revocation but may also impact U.S. foreign policy positively or negatively based on their actions. The legislation is intended to serve as a strong stance against antisemitism, particularly among international students attending educational institutions in the United States.

Contention

While the proponents of HB 2866 assert that it is a necessary measure to combat rising antisemitism, critics argue that such a bill may lead to overreach and the potential suppression of free expression. The bill's reliance on the Secretary of State's discretion to determine what constitutes 'prohibited antisemitic conduct' could result in inconsistencies and concerns about due process. Observers warn that the measure might disproportionately affect individuals from certain backgrounds, fueling experiences of discrimination within academic settings.