Duval Times

Foreign nationals whose visas are revoked on security-related grounds may soon face immediate removal from the United States. A new bill, the Mandatory Removal Proceedings Act, has been introduced by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and his colleagues to ensure that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiates removal proceedings for such individuals.

According to Senator Rubio, "Supporting terrorism disqualifies individuals from having a visa, and we should not allow these individuals to remain in our country based on the whims of this administration. The Mandatory Removal Proceedings Act stands as a decisive measure, ensuring that when a visa is revoked on security grounds, that individual is automatically placed in removal proceedings."

Joining Senator Rubio in this effort are Senators J.D. Vance, Mike Lee, and Ted Cruz. U.S. Representative Wesley Hunt has also introduced companion legislation in the House.

Congressman Hunt expressed his support for the bill, stating, "At a time when Biden's Border Crisis is crippling the American people, we need an all-hands-on-deck approach to solving this crisis, and the Mandatory Removal Proceedings Act is a significant step in that direction. I am proud to lead this effort in the House and urge my colleagues to join me in holding the Biden Administration and DHS accountable to the American people."

Senator Lee emphasized the importance of national security and decisive action, saying, "The Mandatory Removal Proceedings Act draws a clear line: If Secretary Mayorkas won't act, Congress will. Those aligning with terrorist ideologies forfeit their right to be in the U.S. This is about protecting our nation, plain and simple."

The need for this legislation can be traced back to the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Following this incident, Senator Rubio pushed to include a provision in the national defense bill that would revoke visas and initiate deportation proceedings for any foreign national who has endorsed or espoused the terrorist activities of Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, or any other foreign terrorist organization.

With the introduction of the Mandatory Removal Proceedings Act, the focus now shifts to Congress as they take steps towards ensuring the safety and security of the United States.