Rep. Pfluger Introduces Bills to Strip Visas and Federal Student Aid from Individuals Convicted of Assaulting Police Officers or Rioting
Washington,
March 21, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As first reported in The Federalist, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) reintroduced two pieces of legislation to enhance public safety and reinforce the rule of law. If passed, the Uproot Rioting International Students Engaged in Radical Subversion (UPRISERS) Act will revoke visas and deport individuals in the U.S. who engage in violent activities, and the Freeze Aid for Student Assaulters (FAFSA) Act of 2025 will strip federal student aid from those who are convicted of assaulting police officers or participating in riots. “It is a privilege for international students to have the opportunity to study in the United States, not a right,” said Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11). “Given the increase in hostility, protests, and even violent riots across college campuses over the past few years, I am proud to reintroduce two pieces of extremely critical legislation to codify President Trump's action on this issue and restore the rule of law. The UPRISERS Act will revoke the visas of any international students, faculty members, and other individuals in the U.S. on a visa who assault a police officer or participate in riots. It will also make any international student guilty of these crimes eligible for deportation. Additionally, the FAFSA Act will strip federal student aid from those convicted of these violent acts. These bills send a clear message: If you bring violence to the United States – you are not welcome here.” The UPRISERS Act focuses on holding international students, faculty members, and other visa holders who assault law enforcement officers or engage in rioting accountable. By revoking the visas of those who participate in such violent activities, this legislation will maintain order and protect communities. Representatives Morgan Luttrell (TX-08), Jack Bergman (MI-01), Pete Stauber (MN-08), and Chuck Edwards (NC-11) are original co-sponsors. The FAFSA Act reinforces this stance by removing federal student aid benefits from individuals convicted of assaulting police officers or rioting. By denying these benefits, the bill will deter violent behavior and promote a safe learning environment for all students. Representative Chuck Edwards (NC-11) is an original co-sponsor. |