Senators told a congressional hearing that the US visa system is overly permissive, allegedly aiding Chinese efforts to steal American military and commercial secrets. The concern relates to intensifying global competition for dominance in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.

The US visa system rolls out the “red carpet” for spies and aids China’s alleged efforts to steal American innovation, senators charged at a congressional hearing on Wednesday, as Washington and Beijing intensify competition for dominance in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. Through its permissive legal channels, the US is “inviting, welcoming, come on in with the red carpet rolled out” people who steal military and commercial secrets, Republican Senator Ashley Moody of Florida....