Jim Banks aims to protect foreign students in the US from harassment by authoritarian regimes in their home countries
Republican Lawmaker Proposes Bill to Safeguard American Universities
In an exclusive report, Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN) is set to introduce a groundbreaking bill aimed at protecting American universities from foreign nationals who may engage in espionage activities. The proposed legislation, named the “Breaking Beijing’s Hold on Campus Act,” seeks to amend Section 214 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to ensure that student visas are granted only to individuals who certify that they will not collect or transmit sensitive information to outside governments.
Cracking Down on Transnational Repression
The bill, which specifically targets nonimmigrant visas, aims to prevent foreign nationals from intimidating fellow international students based on their home country laws. Additionally, it requires international students to certify that they will not engage in “transnational repression” on behalf of certain nations, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
Rep. Banks, a member of the House Select Committee on the CCP, emphasized the importance of protecting students’ freedom in the United States. He stated, “In the freest country on earth, students should not have to worry about their classmates reporting them to the Chinese Communist Party. This bill ensures that acting on behalf of or in coordination with the CCP on American college campuses will get you a one-way ticket home.”
Prohibiting Intimidation and Coercion
The “Breaking Beijing’s Hold on Campus Act” explicitly prohibits various forms of “transnational repression.” It forbids any attempts to intimidate or coerce foreign students into taking actions that serve the interests of a foreign government or ruling party. The legislation also safeguards international students’ constitutional rights, preventing any efforts to intimidate them from exercising their protected freedoms.
Revoking Visas for Violations
If a foreign national is found to be in violation of these stipulations, their nonimmigrant visa will be immediately revoked, according to the bill. This strict enforcement aims to maintain the integrity and security of American universities.
A Response to Disturbing Testimony
The legislation is a direct response to the testimony of Georgetown law student Jinrui Zhang, who exposed the Chinese Communist Party’s surveillance of Chinese national students on campus. Zhang revealed that he faced harassment from fellow students due to his activism against the Chinese government, and his family was also subjected to questioning back home.
Zhang has expressed his support for the bill, stating that it would greatly benefit American democracy. He emphasized the importance of upholding constitutional guarantees of free speech and preventing the importation of repressive actions and values onto U.S. soil.
With the introduction of the “Breaking Beijing’s Hold on Campus Act,” Rep. Banks aims to safeguard American universities from foreign interference and ensure that international students can freely contribute their skills and perspectives without fear of intimidation or repression.
In addition to protecting sensitive information, how does the bill promote academic freedom and ensure students feel safe expressing their opinions
Their safety or the security of sensitive information while pursuing their education. This bill aims to safeguard American universities and ensure that students from all backgrounds can pursue their studies without fear of interference from foreign governments.”
Countering Chinese Influence
The proposed legislation comes at a time when concerns about Chinese influence on American universities have been growing. It is well-known that China has been engaged in efforts to steal intellectual property and sensitive research from American institutions. By targeting nonimmigrant visas, the bill seeks to prevent the entry of individuals who may be compromised by foreign governments and could potentially engage in espionage activities on American campuses.
One of the key provisions of the bill is the requirement for international students to certify that they will not collect or transmit sensitive information to outside governments. This serves as a strong deterrent against espionage and ensures that students who are granted visas are committed to upholding academic integrity and protecting American interests.
Promoting Academic Freedom
In addition to safeguarding sensitive information, the bill aims to protect academic freedom on American campuses. By specifically targeting countries known for engaging in transnational repression, such as China, Iran, and Russia, the legislation sends a clear message that the United States will not tolerate the intimidation or coercion of international students based on their home country’s laws.
Rep. Banks emphasized the importance of promoting diversity of thought and expression in American universities. He stated, “Universities should be spaces where ideas are freely exchanged and debated. This bill seeks to ensure that students feel safe and secure in expressing their opinions, free from any external influence or pressure.”
Conclusion
The introduction of the ”Breaking Beijing’s Hold on Campus Act” represents a significant step in protecting American universities from potential espionage activities and safeguarding the academic freedom of international students. By amending Section 214 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, this legislation aims to ensure that student visas are granted to individuals who will uphold academic integrity and not engage in transnational repression on behalf of certain nations.
As the bill makes its way through the legislative process, it is expected to face both support and opposition. However, with concerns about foreign influence on American campuses at an all-time high, it is evident that strengthening regulations and protections for universities is of paramount importance. The passing of this bill would send a strong message that the United States is committed to safeguarding its educational institutions and preserving the academic freedom that is the cornerstone of American society.
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