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Senate Bill 4595
116th Congress(2019-2020)
A bill to temporarily extend the period of validity of J-1 visas issued to employees and contractors of the United States Agency for Global Media and its broadcasting networks.
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced in Senate on Sep 16, 2020
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Introduced in Senate 
Sep 16, 2020
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Introduced in Senate(Sep 16, 2020)
Sep 16, 2020
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S. 4595 (Introduced-in-Senate)


116th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 4595


To temporarily extend the period of validity of J–1 visas issued to employees and contractors of the United States Agency for Global Media and its broadcasting networks.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

September 16, 2020

Mr. Merkley introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

A BILL

To temporarily extend the period of validity of J–1 visas issued to employees and contractors of the United States Agency for Global Media and its broadcasting networks.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. Automatic extension of J–1 visas for U.S. Agency for Global Media employees and contractors.

(a) In general.—Except as provided in subsection (b) and notwithstanding any other provision of law, any nonimmigrant visa issued to an alien described in section 101(a)(15)(J) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(J)) (commonly known as a “J–1 visa”) that expired during the 2-month period immediately preceding the date of the enactment of this Act, or is scheduled to expire during the 90-day period beginning on such date of enactment shall automatically be extended until the date that is 90 days after such date of enactment if the alien to whom such visa was issued has a valid contract or employment agreement with the United States Agency for Global Media or any of its broadcasting networks that, absent such visa expiration, would remain in effect during such extension period.

(b) Exemption.—Notwithstanding subsection (a), the Secretary of Homeland Security may deny the extension of a J–1 visa under such subsection, on a case-by-case basis, if the Secretary—

(1) determines that the alien to whom such visa was issued would pose a risk to the national security of the United States if such visa were to be extended; and

(2) provides a briefing to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate, the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives to explain the reasons for any such determination.

(c) Congressional briefing.—Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Chief Executive Officer of the United States Agency for Global Media, accompanied by other appropriate senior leaders, shall provide a briefing to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives that—

(1) provides a case-by-case assessment of how the United States Agency for Global Media and its broadcasting networks have facilitated the employment of foreign journalists with J–1 visas, including future plans to retain such journalists;

(2) describes any threats to national security that any of these journalists may pose; and

(3) identifies any circumstances involving the misuse of hiring authority with respect to such journalists.