Summary
A new bill proposed by Representative Pat Harrigan aims to block visas for students and researchers from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Cuba. This measure would prevent them from working in sensitive U.S. labs and STEM fields. The bill targets national security concerns related to foreign nationals accessing U.S. scientific research.
Key Facts
- The proposed bill seeks to prevent nationals from five countries (China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Cuba) from working in U.S. labs and STEM fields.
- The proposal is led by North Carolina Republican Representative Pat Harrigan.
- Concerns have been raised about national security and economic espionage from these nations, particularly China.
- U.S. intelligence has described Chinese economic espionage as a significant threat to America's economy and values.
- There have been recent incidents involving Chinese nationals accused of smuggling harmful pathogens into the U.S.
- U.S. authorities charged two Chinese researchers with smuggling and visa fraud related to biological pathogens.
- President Donald Trump has previously defended the presence of Chinese students in the U.S., highlighting their economic contributions to colleges.
