How the Stop CCP VISAs Act Would Work
The proposed legislation—formally titled the Stop Chinese Communist Prying by Vindicating Intellectual Safeguards in Academia Act of 2025—seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to impose a blanket ban on Chinese nationals receiving student visas.
Introduced on March 14, 2025, by Senator Wendy Moody, the bill is currently under review by the Senate Judiciary Committee. If passed, it would prevent Chinese citizens from obtaining F-1 (academic), J-1 (exchange), or M-1 (vocational) visas.
The bill, S. 1086, does not specify a vote date yet, but conservative leaders are urging swift passage, framing it as a critical national security priority.
What’s at Stake
With nearly 1.5 million international students in the U.S. during the 2023-2024 academic year—over half from China and India—the bill could reshape the landscape of U.S. higher education and international research partnerships.
Colleges have long relied on international students for revenue, as many pay full tuition and don’t qualify for federal aid. But security experts say the integrity of the entire system is at risk.
“American universities have become soft targets for foreign intelligence,” said a former CIA official. “The time for polite diplomacy is over. It’s time to protect our assets.”
