Duval Times

Since Hamas's October 7, 2023 terrorist attack against Israel, U.S. cities and campuses have experienced a rise in antisemitic and pro-terrorist violence. Concerns persist that participants in these acts may be present on visas and are not being held accountable. The United States is legally obligated to enforce immigration laws by removing supporters of terrorist groups from the country and denying entry to others. However, the Biden-Harris Administration has not exercised this responsibility.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and U.S. Representative Rich McCormick (R-GA) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and U.S. Department of State Secretary Antony Blinken questioning their ability to address aliens linked to terrorist organizations.

“It is clear under the law that anyone in the country who is a non-citizen should have their visa revoked or be denied entry into the United States if they support Hamas or other terrorist organizations. Failure to enforce these provisions of our laws not only undermines the legitimacy and integrity of the executive and legislative branch as well as that of our Constitution, but also dishonors those who fled to this country from the same hate that is now spreading across this country.”

Joining Rubio and McCormick were U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Rick Scott (R-FL), Mike Braun (R-IN), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and U.S. Representatives Keith Self (R-TX), James Moylan (R-GU), Nancy Mace (R-SC), Ralph Norman (R-SC), Randy Weber (R-TX), Brian Mast (R-FL), Joe Wilson (R-SC), Michael Waltz (R-FL), Jerry Carl (R-AL), Bill Posey (R-FL), Josh Brecheen (R-OK), Clay Higgins (R-LA), Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY), and Brad Wenstrup (R-OH).

The full text of the letter is below:

Dear Secretary Mayorkas and Secretary Blinken:

Since Hamas’s brutal attack on the people of Israel on October 7, 2023, there has been a sharp rise in antisemitism and support for terrorism across this country. The Anti-Defamation League reported a 388 percent increase in antisemitic incidents from October 7-23, 2023 when compared to the same period in 2022. On college campuses, and in cities across the country, we are seeing Jewish Americans harassed and targeted simply for their beliefs – with many of these acts funded by tax-exempt organizations.

Even in Washington, D.C., we are seeing blatant examples of violent antisemitism. On July 24, 2024, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Congress, our country witnessed hordes of antisemitic and terrorist-supporting protestors descend on Union Station. This protest could hardly be described as “peaceful” as some participants took down the American flag and burned it before raising a Palestinian flag while vandalizing monuments with phrases such as “Hamas is coming.”

These protestors represent the worst of America, and there is no place for such hate in our country. While nonetheless abhorrent actions, American citizens have their First Amendment rights which protect their ability to peacefully gather and express their views – even if their expressions run counter to what we stand for as a country. Nevertheless, these same protections should not extend to those currently in the United States as guests or those seeking residency here. The United States has a right to determine who to admit into our nation and has established standards regarding inadmissibility.

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 (INA) established standards for denying entry to those seeking admittance into the country. Specifically, Section 212 states that any alien who “endorses or espouses terrorist activity or persuades others to endorse or espouse terrorist activity or support a terrorist organization” is considered inadmissible to the United States. Hamas was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in October 1997 pursuant to Section 219 of the INA. With younger generations showing higher support for Hamas, any alien found favoring Hamas or its views should be ruled inadmissible; if already in the country, they should be removed.

Ultimately, the United States has stood as a refuge for those seeking a new life free from persecution. It is clear under law that any non-citizen supporting Hamas or other terrorist organizations should have their visa revoked or be denied entry into the United States. Failure to enforce these provisions undermines both branches' legitimacy along with our Constitution's integrity while dishonoring those fleeing similar hate now spreading here.

As such, we request answers:

Are DHS and State actively working with universities/other entities identifying visa holders supporting/espousing Hamas? If found violating terms will visas be revoked/aliens removed?

From October 7, 2023 - August 1, 2024 how many visas were revoked under INA Section 212(a)(3)(B)(i)?

Is DHS revoking visas/non-citizen protestors involved July 24th events at Union Station?

Since 2021 how many aliens ruled inadmissible under INA Section 212(a)(3)(B)(i)? How many removed/remain?

What actions do DHS/State take ensuring terrorists/supporters aren't granted visas? If none why?

Thank you for your attention; we request responses by October 11th.

Sincerely,