Senator Marco Rubio | Official U.S. House headshot
Senator Marco Rubio | Official U.S. House headshot
One week ago, the world witnessed a horrific act of violence as Hamas, an Iranian-backed terrorist group, carried out a deadly attack on innocent Israeli civilians and Americans. In the aftermath, demonstrations supporting Hamas erupted across America, even at colleges where administrators failed to condemn the terrorist actions.
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) has called on the Biden Administration to take action by canceling and rescinding visas for foreign nationals who endorse or espouse terrorist activity, specifically those who defend or support Hamas. He believes that those who support terrorist organizations like Hamas should not be allowed to enter or stay in the United States.
Rubio stated, "America is the most generous nation on earth, but we cannot allow foreign nationals who support terrorist groups like Hamas and march in our streets calling for 'intifada' to enter or stay in our country." He further emphasized that the Biden Administration has the authority and obligation to identify, cancel visas, and remove foreign nationals already in America who have demonstrated support for terrorist groups.
In addition to demanding action from the Biden Administration, Senator Rubio plans to introduce legislation that would force the government to act. He aims to enact laws that would rescind visas of foreign nationals who actively support Hamas and remove those who are currently in the United States.
The U.S. Code, specifically 8 USC1182, outlines various classes of "aliens ineligible for visas or admission." This includes individuals who endorse or espouse terrorist activity or support a terrorist organization, such as pro-Hamas demonstrators. The code also prohibits the entry of individuals who pose potential serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States.
Senator Rubio has a history of taking a strong stance on national security. In the past, he rejected plans to allow refugees from Gaza into the United States, citing the high risk of terrorism in the region. He stated, "We are in no position to accept additional refugees, especially from a region with as high a risk of terrorism, given our nation's inability to secure our own border or vet those who are already here."
Looking ahead, Rubio's proposed legislation would not only address the cancelation of visas but also target colleges and universities that allow protests, demonstrations, and activities that can be reasonably seen as endorsing or supporting terrorist activity. He intends to remove federal funding from these institutions, emphasizing the importance of not providing support to organizations that promote terrorism.
Senator Rubio's efforts to cancel visas for those endorsing terrorism reflect a commitment to national security and protecting American interests. His proposed legislation aims to prevent individuals who actively support terrorist groups like Hamas from entering or staying in the United States, ensuring the safety of the nation and its citizens.
For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.rubio.senate.gov/rubio-cancel-visas-for-those-endorsing-terrorism/