Visa Debate Turns Partisan at House Hearing

Democrats show legal immigration is vital to U.S. economy; Republicans fear-monger over bogus insinuations of widespread fraud and espionage in student programs.

WASHINGTON — A House Judiciary subcommittee on immigration convened last week to examine perceived vulnerabilities in the U.S. visa system, with lawmakers sharply divided along party lines over national security, fraud prevention and the role of foreign talent in the American workforce.

The June 26 hearing, titled “Restoring Integrity and Security to the Visa Process,” was held by the Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement. Lawmakers heard testimony from four witnesses: Jessica Vaughan of the Center for Immigration Studies, Simon Hankinson of the Heritage Foundation, Cody Brown of Codias Law, and Alex Nowrasteh of the Cato Institute.

Republican members of the subcommittee focused heavily on the student visa system, citing concerns about fraud, espionage, and visa overstays. They warned of “nonexistent schools” allegedly created to exploit visa rules and facilitate illegal entry into the country. Witnesses called on Congress to impose stricter consequences for violations, including revoking a school’s authorization to sponsor foreign students if a large percentage overstay their visas.