Two senators, Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at preventing individuals with ties to Hamas or those involved in the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel from entering the United States.
The bill, known as the No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act, specifically targets those who participated in, planned, or provided support to the Hamas-led attack, declaring them inadmissible for entry into the country.
The legislation seeks to prevent these individuals from receiving any immigration benefits or relief under U.S. law. It builds upon a similar measure introduced in the House by Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.) last year, which passed overwhelmingly with a 422-2 vote. The Senate version is expected to gain approval as well, sending the bill to President Biden or President-elect Trump for approval.
Senator Blackburn criticized the Biden administration for releasing nearly 100 individuals on the terrorist watchlist since 2021, as well as illegal immigrants from adversarial nations like Iran. She argued that the bill would ensure that no migrant connected to Hamas or the October 7 attacks is allowed into the U.S. or eligible for immigration benefits funded by taxpayers.
The bill addresses the need for a more explicit ban on individuals tied to terrorist organizations like Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, expanding on existing U.S. immigration law that already bars terrorists from entering the country. Senator Rosen emphasized that no one involved in the October 7 attack should be allowed to enter the U.S., calling the legislation a vital measure for national security.
While the bill enjoys bipartisan support, it was opposed by members of the “Squad,” including Representatives Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) and Cori Bush (D-Mo.).
Tlaib argued that the bill was redundant, stating it duplicated existing federal law, and claimed it was designed to incite anti-Arab and anti-Muslim sentiments. Bush echoed Tlaib’s concerns, calling the bill a “messaging” tool that targets immigrants and fosters hate.
The bill reflects a growing area of bipartisan consensus on immigration issues, particularly in response to the ongoing concerns about terrorism and border security. Immigration is expected to remain a key focus under the incoming Trump administration, with President-elect Trump pledging to strengthen border security and carry out large-scale deportations.
He has already named former ICE Director Thomas Homan as his “border czar” and selected South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to lead the Department of Homeland Security.
