Criminal Alien Visa Denial Act of 2001
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (28 Sep 2001): Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims.
What this bill does
H.R. 2965, the Criminal Alien Visa Denial Act of 2001, would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to require the FBI to share certain criminal history information electronically with the Department of State and the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Specifically, the FBI would provide access to extracts from the National Crime Information Center's databases—including the Interstate Identification Index and Wanted Persons File—so these agencies could check whether visa applicants or people seeking admission to the U.S. have a criminal record. Access would be free, updated periodically, and limited to record extracts rather than full files; obtaining complete records would require submitting fingerprints and applicable fees to the FBI.
The bill primarily affects federal agencies involved in visa issuance and immigration enforcement, as well as individuals applying for U.S. visas or admission, whose criminal history checks would be part of the process. The State Department would be required to issue regulations on fingerprint procedures and data-handling safeguards, including limits on redistribution, confidentiality protections, and privacy safeguards, before receiving this database access.
The bill would take effect upon enactment, with full implementation required within 18 months, and a joint report to Congress due within two years. It was introduced on September 25, 2001, by Rep. Christopher Shays and referred to the House Judiciary Committee. According to the official record, it did not receive a vote and did not advance further in the 107th Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Criminal Alien Visa Denial Act of 2001 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require the Attorney General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to provide the Department of State and the Immigration and Naturalization Service with access to specified criminal history extracts in order to determine whether or not a visa or admissions applicant has a criminal history. Directs the FBI to provide periodic extract updates. Provides for confidentiality.
Timeline
28 Sep 2001
Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 2965 do?
- H.R. 2965, the Criminal Alien Visa Denial Act of 2001, would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to require the FBI to share certain criminal history information electronically with the Department of State and the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Specifically, the FBI would provide access to extracts from the National Crime Information Center's databases—including the Interstate Identification Index and Wanted Persons File—so these agencies could check whether visa applicants or people seeking admission to the U.S. have a criminal record. Access would be free, updated periodically, and limited to record extracts rather than full files; obtaining complete records would require submitting fingerprints and applicable fees to the FBI. The bill primarily affects federal agencies involved in visa issuance and immigration enforcement, as well as individuals applying for U.S. visas or admission, whose criminal history checks would be part of the process. The State Department would be required to issue regulations on fingerprint procedures and data-handling safeguards, including limits on redistribution, confidentiality protections, and privacy safeguards, before receiving this database access. The bill would take effect upon enactment, with full implementation required within 18 months, and a joint report to Congress due within two years. It was introduced on September 25, 2001, by Rep. Christopher Shays and referred to the House Judiciary Committee. According to the official record, it did not receive a vote and did not advance further in the 107th Congress.
- Has H.R. 2965 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 2965. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 2965?
- H.R. 2965 was sponsored by Rep. Shays, Christopher [R-CT-4] (R-CT), with 31 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 2965?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims. (28 Sep 2001).
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