House bill shifts travel ban power from the president to State Department
In committeeH.R. 924Latest action
Sponsor: Judy Chu · Representative · CA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: NO BAN Act
119th Congress
Topics: Immigration
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
HR 924 would move travel ban authority from the president to the Secretary of State and add strict limits on how bans are issued.
60-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 924 would transfer the starting authority for travel restrictions on groups of non-citizens from the president to the Secretary of State, working with the Secretary of Homeland Security. Any restriction would have to be based on specific documented facts about security or safety threats, be as narrow as possible, carry a clear end date, and include a process for requesting exceptions. The bill also expands anti-discrimination rules in immigration law to cover religion and to apply to tourist visas, student visas, and other immigration benefits, not only immigrant visas.
Who does it affect?
Non-citizens seeking to enter the United States, including travelers, students, workers, and people seeking refugee status, are directly affected. US citizens and permanent residents with family abroad from countries subject to restrictions could also be indirectly impacted, as could the State Department, the Department of Homeland Security, and the president.
Why does it matter?
The administration would be required to brief Congress and submit a written report within 48 hours of issuing any travel restriction, explaining the reasons, the legal authority used, and how many people are affected. If that report is not delivered on time, the restriction would automatically end.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedFeb 4, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Feb 4, 2025
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.