Protecting America From Spies Act
Protecting America From Spies Act
Plain Language Summary
# Protecting America From Spies Act - Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would make it easier for the U.S. government to deny entry to foreign nationals suspected of espionage or sabotage activities. Currently, the government can only bar someone if they plan to commit espionage in the U.S. This bill would expand that authority to also block people who have engaged in espionage or sabotage activities *outside* the United States, or who plan to do so anywhere.
It would also allow the government to deny entry to the spouse or child of someone barred for these reasons if the espionage/sabotage occurred within the past five years. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily affects foreign nationals (non-U.S. citizens) seeking to enter the United States, and potentially their family members. It gives immigration authorities broader discretion in deciding who poses a security threat related to espionage. **Current status:** The bill was introduced by Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Protecting America From Spies ActThis bill expands the grounds for barring non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) from entering the United States on the basis of espionage or sabotage.Currently, an individual is inadmissible if the individual seeks to enter the United States to engage in an act that (1) violates a U.S. law relating to espionage or sabotage; or (2) violates any U.S. law prohibiting the export of goods, technology, or sensitive information. Under the bill, an individual is inadmissible if the individual engages, has engaged, or will engage in such an act or in an act that would violate any U.S. law relating to espionage or sabotage if it occurred in the United States.Furthermore, the bill expands these grounds of inadmissibility and other security-related grounds to cover the spouse or child of the barred individual if the act occurred in the last five years.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.