Hong Kong Policy Act of 2024

The Hong Kong Policy Act of 2024 amends U.S. law to end the special treatment Hong Kong has previously received, requiring U.S. laws to apply to Hong Kong as they do to mainland China. The bill authorizes $5 million annually for democracy and human rights programs in Hong Kong, including a new internet freedom program to support access to information and bypass censorship. It creates new visa pathways for Hong Kong residents seeking to study or work in the U.S., establishes refugee status for Hong Kong residents facing political persecution, and provides humanitarian support for those fleeing repression. The bill also includes provisions to update travel advisories and business risk assessments for U.S. entities operating in Hong Kong. These changes represent a significant policy shift from the previous framework that assumed Hong Kong would maintain autonomy from mainland China.