State-Sponsored Visa Pilot Program Act of 2026
Latest action (30 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
Here is a plain-English summary of S. 5197:
This bill would create a new nonimmigrant visa category allowing individual U.S. states (and groups of states through interstate compacts) to sponsor foreign nationals to live and work within their borders for up to three years, renewable, in support of the state's own economic development goals. States would apply to the Department of Homeland Security to participate, and once approved, would petition for specific visa recipients, who must pass a federal security background check. Participating states would be responsible for regulating employment, tracking nonimmigrants' residence and work locations, assessing local labor needs and wages, investigating worker-displacement complaints, and reporting to federal authorities. Nonimmigrants could face bond requirements, and the visa is subject to a formula-based annual numerical cap tied to state population and participation levels.
The program would primarily affect state governments, employers, and foreign workers/investors seeking to relocate for jobs or investment in a sponsoring state, along with their spouses and minor children. Nonimmigrants would be barred from federal means-tested benefits, subject to standard tax and labor laws, and could be removed from the country if they violate program terms, such as working outside their sponsoring state. States failing to meet certain obligations, such as reimbursing bonds, could have their program participation suspended.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 30, 2026, by Senator John Curtis, with Senator Mark Kelly as a cosponsor, and has been referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. It has not yet received committee action, a floor vote, or been enacted into law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 30, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does S. 5197 do?
- Here is a plain-English summary of S. 5197: This bill would create a new nonimmigrant visa category allowing individual U.S. states (and groups of states through interstate compacts) to sponsor foreign nationals to live and work within their borders for up to three years, renewable, in support of the state's own economic development goals. States would apply to the Department of Homeland Security to participate, and once approved, would petition for specific visa recipients, who must pass a federal security background check. Participating states would be responsible for regulating employment, tracking nonimmigrants' residence and work locations, assessing local labor needs and wages, investigating worker-displacement complaints, and reporting to federal authorities. Nonimmigrants could face bond requirements, and the visa is subject to a formula-based annual numerical cap tied to state population and participation levels. The program would primarily affect state governments, employers, and foreign workers/investors seeking to relocate for jobs or investment in a sponsoring state, along with their spouses and minor children. Nonimmigrants would be barred from federal means-tested benefits, subject to standard tax and labor laws, and could be removed from the country if they violate program terms, such as working outside their sponsoring state. States failing to meet certain obligations, such as reimbursing bonds, could have their program participation suspended. The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 30, 2026, by Senator John Curtis, with Senator Mark Kelly as a cosponsor, and has been referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. It has not yet received committee action, a floor vote, or been enacted into law.
- Has S. 5197 become law?
- Not yet. As of 30 Jul 2026, S. 5197 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 5197?
- S. 5197 was sponsored by Sen. John Curtis [R-UT] (Republican-UT), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 5197?
- Introduced (30 Jul 2026).
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