PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S1673-1675)
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Feb 17, 2005
American Competitiveness Through International Openness Now Act of 2005 - ACTION Act of 2005 - Amends the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 to direct the President to submit to specified congressional committees a strategic plan for enhancing international student access to the United States for study and exchange activities.
Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to provide for reduced fees in cases of short-term study, under the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Directs the Secretaries of State and of Homeland Security to report on improving SEVIS fee collection and to develop policies to reform SEVIS database management.
Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to ensure that the FBI has full connectivity to the Consular Consolidated Database.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
Expresses the sense of Congress on improving the visa process. Directs the Secretary of State to issue certain guidance on visa processing.
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise standards for visa evaluations for those having the intention, capability, and financial resources to complete a course of study in the United States.
People & committees
Sen. Coleman, Norm [R-MN] · R–MN
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S1673-1675)
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1673)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Aug 15, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze S.455 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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