# Conservative group Humans First calls for AI export bans and visa limits

> The America First AI Policy memo urges tighter export controls on China, mandatory testing for big AI firms, and a pause on H‑1B visas.

Oossa · 2026-10-16 · https://oossa.com/en/conservative-group-humans-first-calls-for-ai-export-bans-and-visa-limits

Humans First, a conservative‑led AI safety coalition, released an “America First AI Policy” memo on Friday. The plan pushes for stricter export controls on China and other rivals, requires independent testing of large AI models, and asks Congress to pause H‑1B visas for AI talent. It also calls for bans on advanced techniques like recursive self‑improvement and public reporting of AI incidents. The group is chaired by Tea Party activist Amy Kremer and led by executive director Russ Walker.

## The facts

- Humans First released the policy memo on 2026‑10‑15 (Friday).
- The memo proposes export controls, independent testing, and a pause on H‑1B visas.

## Why it matters

If adopted, the proposals could limit AI technology transfer to China and slow the influx of foreign AI specialists, affecting U.S. tech firms and research labs.

## Sources & references

1. [Conservative AI safety group proposes export controls, visa restrictions](https://www.semafor.com/article/10/15/2026/conservative-ai-safety-group-proposes-export-controls-visa-restrictions) – Semafor, 2026-10-16

Last updated: 2026-10-16