H.R. 8182: Banning Perpetrators of Religious Persecution Act of 2026

The Banning Perpetrators of Religious Persecution Act of 2026 is a proposed piece of legislation that aims to modify the Immigration and Nationality Act regarding the issuance of visas to individuals involved in severe violations of religious freedom. Here’s a breakdown of the main provisions of the bill:

Restrictions on Visa Issuance

The bill would amend Section 212(a)(2)(G) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This section currently outlines conditions under which individuals (aliens) may be deemed inadmissible to the United States. Under the proposed changes:

• Aliens Involved in Religious Persecution: Any individual who has:
  • Served as a foreign government official and has been responsible for or directly engaged in particularly severe violations of religious freedom.
  • While outside the U.S., directed, authorized, significantly supported, participated in, or was involved in serious violations of religious freedom.
• Such individuals would be deemed inadmissible to enter the United States.

Public Disclosure Requirements

The bill also includes provisions regarding the transparency of visa decisions related to these violations:

• Public Notice: The Secretary of State would be required to publicly post on the Department of State's website:
  • The names of all individuals found inadmissible under the new rules.
  • The specific countries or locations where these violations occurred.
• Exceptions: If the Secretary of State believes that public disclosure of an individual’s identity could harm U.S. foreign policy, that individual's information may be kept confidential. The Secretary would need to report to Congress twice a year explaining any such decisions.

Overall Objective

The overall goal of the bill is to address and combat religious persecution globally by restricting the entry of individuals who have committed or supported severe violations of religious freedom. By doing so, it aims to enhance the United States' commitment to protecting human rights and promoting religious freedom around the world.

Relevant Companies

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