News. Senator Marco Rubio of Florida is spearheading a Senate resolution aimed at deporting foreign nationals and revoking their visas if they express support for Hamas, the Islamic militant group. Rubio plans to expedite the resolution through a process known as “hot-lining,” seeking unanimous consent to pass it without a full debate and floor vote.
The resolution, as outlined in the text, calls on the president to revoke visas and initiate deportation proceedings for foreign nationals who endorse or espouse the terrorist activities of Hamas, as well as other groups such as Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hezbollah, specifically in their recent attacks against Israel.
Additionally, the resolution condemns Hamas for its involvement in various acts of violence, including the operation of death squads targeting Jews and hostage-taking squads, which have led to abductions, ransom demands, propaganda, and torture.
This move by Senator Rubio comes in response to calls for a “Day of Rage” by a former Hamas leader on October 13, which some individuals in the United States heeded, leading to endorsements of Hamas. Anti-Semitic protests and riots were also reported in various U.S. cities.
Rubio’s statement emphasises that while the United States is known for its generosity, it cannot allow foreign nationals who support terrorist organisations like Hamas and call for “intifada” to enter or remain in the country.
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This resolution follows Senator Rubio’s previous letters to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, where he first called for visa revocations for Hamas supporters.
Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas has also demanded the immediate deportation of foreign nationals expressing support for Hamas, particularly those on student visas, stating that they have no place in the United States.
The background for this resolution includes recent violence in the Middle East, with more than 4,200 people killed and many more wounded or taken hostage during Hamas’ attack on Israel, leading to retaliatory actions by the Israeli forces reported Aol.
Rubio emphasises the need to enforce existing laws that prevent individuals who openly support terrorist organisations from having visas in the United States.