House bill would require visa applicants to renounce sharia law

What does this do?

HR 8756 would add a new requirement to the Section 203(b)(4) visa category under the Immigration and Nationality Act, which covers special immigrants such as religious workers and certain long-term U.S. government employees abroad. Applicants would have to formally disavow sharia law and swear an oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution before being approved. The bill does not define what disavowing sharia law means in practice or explain how compliance would be verified.

Who does it affect?

The requirement would apply to foreign nationals applying for visas under Section 203(b)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Critics argue the bill singles out Muslim immigrants; supporters describe it as a security and loyalty measure.

Why does it matter?

Broader legal questions exist about whether a religious test for immigrants would conflict with the First Amendment or other constitutional protections, though those debates would only play out in courts if the bill passed. The bill was introduced in May 2026 and referred to the House Judiciary Committee; it has not become law.

Where does it stand?