Strengthening National Security, Telecom Reforms, and Immigration: CRF Weekly Update

The Center for Regulatory Freedom continues its vital work advocating for regulatory reforms that enhance national security, economic competitiveness, and individual freedoms for Americans. Through strategic comments to federal agencies, CRF promotes policies that reduce bureaucratic hurdles, foster innovation, and protect against threats like intellectual property theft and supply chain vulnerabilities.

CRF's recent submissions to DHS/CISA, FCC, DHS, USTR, and USCIS exemplify its dedication to evidence-based, market-oriented reforms that prioritize transparency, proportionality, and accountability.

CRF's comments to DHS and CISA on the Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) Request for Information underscored the importance of SBOMs in bolstering national security and transparency within the software supply chain, particularly amid threats from China. CRF advocated for proportional, risk-based regulations that align with market dynamics, support industry standards such as SPDX and CycloneDX, and preserve innovation without excessive government intervention. This approach reflects CRF's commitment to balancing oversight with free-market principles to strengthen America's technological edge.

In supporting the FCC's proposal on "Reducing Barriers to Network Improvements and Service Changes," CRF championed the modernization of outdated rules to expedite broadband upgrades, lower costs, and enhance network resilience. The comments emphasized risk-based protections for essential services like 911 access while countering arguments that reforms would endanger consumers, asserting that the changes eliminate unnecessary delays without compromising safety. CRF's stance aligns with its broader advocacy for efficient regulatory frameworks that promote technological advancement and consumer benefits.

CRF endorsed DHS's proposal to implement a fixed four-year admission period for F, J, and I visa holders, replacing the indefinite "duration of status" to improve oversight and curb visa overstays. The submission, drafted and filed by Kiley, recommended closing discretionary loopholes and tightening extension approvals to ensure the rule's durability against future policy shifts. Similarly, in comments to USCIS on the Generic Clearance for Immigration Forms, also handled by Kiley, CRF backed the addition of 24 new data elements to enhance screening and fraud detection under Executive Order 14161, urging their codification in federal regulations for long-term enforcement.

For the USTR's 2025 Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy, CRF, through Kiley's drafting and filing, pushed for the inclusion of Chinese platforms like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress on the Notorious Markets List due to rampant IP violations, alongside Ukraine's 7th Kilometer Market for its counterfeit operations. The comments called for robust international enforcement against both digital and physical piracy, highlighting CRF's focus on protecting American intellectual property and economic interests from global threats.

CRF's proactive engagement with these agencies illustrates its unwavering commitment to regulatory reforms that empower Americans by fostering secure, innovative, and fair systems. From fortifying software supply chains and immigration vetting to combating IP theft and streamlining telecom regulations, CRF's recommendations prioritize national security, market competition, and constitutional principles. By advocating for transparent, risk-based policies, CRF ensures that federal regulations serve to enhance freedom, opportunity, and prosperity for all Americans.