H.R. 6487: Securing Education and Critical U.S. Research and Employment in STEM Act of 2025

This bill, titled the "Securing Education and Critical U.S. Research and Employment in STEM Act of 2025" (SECURE STEM Act), aims to restrict the issuance of certain visas and employment opportunities for foreign nationals from specific countries. Here's a breakdown of the key points:

Visa Prohibition

The bill prohibits the issuance of visas to foreign nationals from designated countries, specifically:

• The People’s Republic of China
• The Russian Federation
• The Islamic Republic of Iran
• The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
• The Republic of Cuba

Under this provision, the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security would not be allowed to issue visas for individuals from these countries seeking admission under specified nonimmigrant visa categories. These categories include various types of work and student visas.

Employment Restrictions at National Laboratories

In addition to the visa prohibition, the bill would prevent national research laboratories from hiring foreign nationals from the specified countries who are currently in the United States on the affected visa types at the time of the bill's enactment. This aims to ensure that sensitive research and technology do not involve individuals from these nations.

National Interest Waiver

The bill includes a provision allowing for exceptions. The Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security can jointly waive the restrictions in cases where they determine it is in the national interest of the United States to do so. This waiver mechanism allows for individual assessments that could override the blanket prohibitions.

Reporting Requirements

The bill mandates the submission of biannual reports by the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security to various congressional committees. These reports must include:

• The total number of waivers granted.
• A summary justifying each waiver.
• Biographical information about each waiver recipient, including any prior connections to foreign state-sponsored institutions.

Definitions

The bill clarifies several terms to ensure proper understanding and enforcement:

• Covered Visa Category: This includes specific nonimmigrant visa types related to employment and student status.
• Covered Foreign National: Refers to nationals of the listed countries prohibiting the issuance of visas.
• National Research Laboratory: Defined as federal laboratories involved in advanced scientific research.

Implementation Timeline

The Secretary of State is required to establish necessary rules to implement the Act within 90 days of its enactment.

Relevant Companies

• None found