Protecting Higher Education from the Chinese Communist Party Act of 2025
This bill, the Protecting Higher Education from the Chinese Communist Party Act of 2025, would bar members of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and their family members from receiving F or J visas to the United States. F visas are for academic students, and J visas are for exchange visitors. The prohibition applies to individuals who are CCP members at the time of enactment or who become members thereafter, as well as their identified family members. The bill also provides a limited exception to comply with the United Nations Headquarters Agreement, allows a national security waiver by the President or a designee, and requires written certification to Congress if such a waiver is used. The intent is to reduce perceived CCP influence in U.S. higher education and related exchange activities. Potential impacts include reduced admission or participation for CCP members and their families in U.S. universities and exchange programs, potential disruptions to international collaborations, and increased administrative oversight of visa decisions. The waiver mechanism creates a pathway for exceptions in cases deemed essential to national security, but also introduces a congressional oversight component.
Key Points
- 1Ineligibility for F or J visas: Any CCP member or that person’s family member cannot be granted an F or J visa to enter the United States.
- 2Family member definition: Family members include spouse, child, parent, sibling, grandchild, niece, or nephew of the CCP member.
- 3UN Headquarters Agreement exception: The visa ban does not apply if admitting the person is necessary to comply with the UN Headquarters Agreement and related international obligations.
- 4National Security Waiver: The President or a designee may waiver the visa ban if they certify in writing that the waiver serves the national security interests of the United States.
- 5Scope and status: The prohibition targets nonimmigrant visas (F and J) and is applicable as of enactment and to individuals who are CCP members at any time thereafter.