The legislation would expand existing provisions banning admission into the U.S. for sympathizers of terrorist groups.
On November 20, Republican U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Ted Budd of North Carolina introduced the Terrorist Inadmissibility Codification Act.
Pennsylvania U.S. Senator Dave McCormick has cosponsored the legislation.
The bill aims to expand the existing provision in the Immigration and Nationality Act banning admission into the United States of officers, officials, representatives, and spokespersons of the Palestine Liberation Organization to include anyone who publicly supports terrorist groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and Palestine Islamic Jihad.
“Our nation has learned the hard lesson that when terrorists come into our country, they harm Americans. I’m proud to join Senator Budd and our colleagues in this commonsense effort to further prevent terrorist sympathizers and associates from coming to the U.S., threatening our national security, and spreading their anti-American propaganda and hatred,” said Senator McCormick of the legislation.
In a recent press release, the senators commented on the legislation and its importance to national security in the United States.
“Freedom of speech does not protect terrorism and calls to terror. We’re strengthening the law so terrorists and their supporters can go hate us somewhere else,” said Senator Cassidy.
“Ever since the horrific terrorist attacks of October 7, we have seen a dramatic rise in pro-Hamas rhetoric across our country, including from international students here on visas. This needs to stop. Those seeking to come to the U.S., whether for school, work, or otherwise, and who publicly endorse Foreign Terrorist Organizations, must face consequences for their actions. The Terrorist Inadmissibility Codification Act will close ambiguous loopholes in our immigration law by prohibiting them from entering our borders,” said Senator Budd.
Also cosponsoring the legislation are U.S. Senators Cynthis Lummis of Wyoming, Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, Steve Daines of Montana, John Cornyn of Texas, Pete Ricketts of Nebraska, and Rick Scott of Florida. The bill is supported by only Republicans so far.
The legislation comes as the Trump administration prioritizes national security and rooting out individuals with known ties to terrorism.
A companion bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Representative August Pfluger, a Republican of Texas.
