HR-6286 : Still Just a Bill

The "Protecting America From Spies Act," also known as H.R. 6286, seeks to amend section 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to broaden the grounds for inadmissibility to the United States.

Key provisions of the bill include:

• Expanded Inadmissibility Criteria: The bill broadens the criteria for inadmissibility to include aliens who:
  • Engage in activities violating U.S. laws related to espionage or sabotage.
  • Engage in activities violating laws prohibiting the export of goods, technology, or sensitive information from the U.S.
  • Seek to enter the U.S. to engage in any unlawful activity.
  • Seek to enter the U.S. to engage in activities aimed at opposing or overthrowing the U.S. government through force or violence.
  • Are the spouse or child of an alien inadmissible under these grounds, if the activity occurred within the last 5 years.
• Waiver Authority Limitations: The bill modifies waiver authority, preventing waivers for individuals found inadmissible due to the activities described above.

In essence, H.R. 6286 aims to strengthen national security by ensuring that individuals involved in espionage, technology transfer violations, or activities against the U.S. government are denied entry into the country.