U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ted Budd (R-NC) have introduced the Terrorist Inadmissibility Codification Act, which aims to expand current immigration law by making anyone who is a member of, or publicly supports, groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and Palestine Islamic Jihad inadmissible to the United States.
“In the aftermath of Hamas’ unprovoked attack on Israel two years ago, we’ve seen an alarming wave of antisemitic, pro-terrorist advocacy by foreign visa holders present in the U.S. who seek to do Americans harm,” said Sen. Cornyn. “By broadening the Immigration and Nationality Act, this commonsense legislation would ensure those who support or sympathize with terrorist groups and their affiliates are inadmissible to the United States, and I’m proud to support it.”
Senator Budd added: “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.”
The bill has garnered support from several other Republican senators: Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Steve Daines (R-MT), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and Rick Scott (R-FL). Representative August Pfluger (TX-11) had previously introduced similar legislation in the House.
After Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, there was an increase in anti-Israel and pro-Hamas activity among some foreign visa holders in the United States as well as among visa applicants. The Trump administration responded by revoking visas of individuals engaged in pro-Hamas advocacy and increased scrutiny during visa application processes.
Currently, under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), any officer or spokesperson for the Palestine Liberation Organization is considered involved in terrorist activity and therefore inadmissible. The proposed act would broaden this definition to include members or spokespeople for additional groups like Hamas and ISIS or anyone endorsing activities conducted by these organizations. It also seeks to clarify these restrictions explicitly within federal law rather than relying solely on administrative designations.
John Cornyn has held his Senate seat through multiple election cycles; he defeated MJ Hegar in 2020 with 53.5% of votes compared to Hegar’s 43.9%, won against David Alameel in 2014 with 61.6% over Alameel’s 34.3%, prevailed over Ron Kirk in 2002 with 55% against Kirk’s 43%, and beat Rick Noriega in 2008 with 54.8% versus Noriega’s 42.8%.
