2 versions

RefinementWhat changed in REPORTED IN HOUSEcompared with INTRODUCED IN HOUSE (Feb 6, 2025)

A small clarification. The short title was updated to include "of 2025," and the language describing "foreign government official" and "any act" in the inadmissibility and deportability clauses was slightly refined for precision. The bill's core policy direction remains unchanged.

H.R. 1071119th CongressIntroduced Feb 6, 2025

No Censors on our Shores Act of 2025

Reported To HouseImmigrationSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Issa, Darrell [R-CA-48]
Committees: Judiciary Committee (primary)
Last action: Apr 9, 2026

Bottom line

The 'No Censors on our Shores Act of 2025' seeks to bar foreign government officials involved in censoring American speech from entering or remaining in the United States.

What it actually does

This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish new grounds for inadmissibility and deportability for foreign government officials. Specifically, any alien who, while serving as a foreign government official, was responsible for or directly carried out an act against a United States citizen located in the United States that would violate the First Amendment if committed by a U.S. government official, would be deemed inadmissible to the U.S. or deportable if already present.

Proponents argue

Proponents argue that this bill is a crucial step to protect First Amendment principles and hold foreign officials accountable for suppressing free speech directed at U.S. citizens within U.S. borders. They contend it sends a strong message that the United States will not tolerate such actions and asserts American values on the global stage, reinforcing the nation's commitment to freedom of expression.

Opponents contend

Opponents might raise concerns that the bill could complicate diplomatic relations, potentially leading to retaliatory measures against U.S. officials abroad. They may also argue that enforcing such a provision could be challenging due to evidentiary difficulties in proving a 'First Amendment violation' by foreign officials and the subjective nature of interpreting such acts in an international context.

The bill is exceptionally short and clear, allowing for a complete understanding and evaluation in a very short amount of time.

Section 2(a)

Inadmissibility for Foreign Government Officials Engaged in Censorship

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision adds a new subsection (J) to Section 212(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which lists grounds for inadmissibility. It states that any alien who, as a foreign government official, was responsible for or directly carried out an act against a U.S. citizen located in the United States that would violate the First Amendment if committed by a U.S. official, is inadmissible to the United States.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupForeign government officialsImpactDenied entry to the United StatesMechanismNew grounds for inadmissibility under U.S. immigration lawScaleIndividual officials

GroupUnited States citizensImpactProtection of free speech from foreign censorshipMechanismDeterrence of foreign censorship acts against them within U.S. bordersScaleIndividual citizens

Supporters argue

Supporters argue that this provision is essential for upholding American values of free speech and ensuring that individuals who actively suppress these freedoms are not permitted to enter the country. It serves as a clear deterrent and a statement of national principle.

Critics contend

Critics may contend that defining and proving 'First Amendment violations' by foreign officials in an international context could be legally complex and lead to subjective interpretations. They might also express concerns about potential diplomatic repercussions from such a policy.

Tradeoffs

This provision balances the assertion of U.S. constitutional principles regarding free speech against the practical challenges of enforcement and potential friction in international diplomatic relations.

Section 2(b)

Deportability for Foreign Government Officials Engaged in Censorship

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision adds a new subsection (G) to Section 237(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which outlines grounds for deportability. It specifies that any alien who, as a foreign government official, was responsible for or directly carried out an act against a U.S. citizen located in the United States that would violate the First Amendment if committed by a U.S. official, is deportable from the United States.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.

RefinementWhat changed in REPORTED IN HOUSEcompared with INTRODUCED IN HOUSE (Feb 6, 2025)

See full diff

H.R. 1071119th CongressIntroduced Feb 6, 2025

No Censors on our Shores Act of 2025

Reported To HouseImmigrationSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Issa, Darrell [R-CA-48]
Committees: Judiciary Committee (primary)
Last action: Apr 9, 2026

Bottom line

The 'No Censors on our Shores Act of 2025' seeks to bar foreign government officials involved in censoring American speech from entering or remaining in the United States.

What it actually does

Proponents argue

Opponents contend

The bill is exceptionally short and clear, allowing for a complete understanding and evaluation in a very short amount of time.

Section 2(a)

Inadmissibility for Foreign Government Officials Engaged in Censorship

prominently featuredstraightforward

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupForeign government officialsImpactDenied entry to the United StatesMechanismNew grounds for inadmissibility under U.S. immigration lawScaleIndividual officials

GroupUnited States citizensImpactProtection of free speech from foreign censorshipMechanismDeterrence of foreign censorship acts against them within U.S. bordersScaleIndividual citizens

Supporters argue

Critics contend

Tradeoffs

Section 2(b)

Deportability for Foreign Government Officials Engaged in Censorship

prominently featuredstraightforward