State-Sponsored Visa Pilot Program Act of 2026
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (30 Jul 2026): Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
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.
Timeline
30 Jul 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
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?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 5197. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 5197?
- S. 5197 was sponsored by Sen. Curtis, John R. [R-UT] (R-UT), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 5197?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (30 Jul 2026).
Related bills in Immigration
To designate Ukraine under section 244 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide certain nationals of Ukraine with continued eligibility for temporary protected status, and for other purposes.
Domestic Visa Renewal Modernization Act
Hong Konger Promise of Refuge Act
H–1B Visa Fraud Crackdown Act
More bills from Sen. Curtis, John R. [R-UT]
Data Center Community Empowerment Act of 2026
Recycled Materials Attribution Act of 2026
Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act
MAP Roads Act
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.