‘Keep our nation safe’: Senators vow to ban pro-Hamas migrants from entering US with bipartisan push

Two senators from both sides of the aisle are coming together to introduce legislation that aims to ban any immigrants tied to Hamas or involved in the October 7 attack on Israel from entering the United States. Sens. Marsha Blackburn, a Republican from Tennessee, and Jacky Rosen, a Democrat from Nevada, are leading the charge on the No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act.

The bill, if passed, would explicitly prohibit any immigrant with ties to Hamas from entering the U.S. It would also bar representatives, officers, members, or spokespersons of Palestinian Islamic Jihad or Hamas, as well as individuals involved in the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Additionally, the legislation would make these individuals ineligible for any relief under U.S. immigration laws.

This bipartisan effort has previously seen success in the House, where it passed with overwhelming support in a 422-2 vote. It is expected to have a similar outcome in the Senate before reaching the desk of either President Biden or President-elect Trump.

Sen. Blackburn emphasized the importance of preventing dangerous individuals from entering the country, particularly those tied to terrorist organizations. She criticized the Biden-Harris administration for releasing nearly 100 individuals on the terrorist watchlist into the U.S. since January 2021, as well as illegal immigrants from countries like Iran. Blackburn stated that the bill would ensure that individuals connected to Hamas or the October 7 attack are not granted entry or benefits at the expense of taxpayers.

Sen. Rosen echoed these sentiments, asserting that anyone involved in Hamas’s terrorist activities should not be allowed to enter the U.S. She emphasized the bipartisan nature of the legislation and her commitment to keeping the nation safe through collaboration across party lines.

While the bill has garnered widespread support, it did face opposition from two members of the “Squad” in the House. Reps. Rashida Tlaib and Cori Bush voted against the bill, with Tlaib calling it redundant and accusing Republicans of using it to incite hatred against Arab, Palestinian, and Muslim communities. Bush also criticized the bill as a messaging tactic aimed at targeting immigrants and fueling anti-Palestinian sentiments.

Immigration remains a contentious issue, but there are areas of bipartisan agreement, such as combating cartels and bolstering border security. The incoming Trump administration has made immigration a top priority, with plans to ramp up border security and initiate a large-scale deportation operation. Former ICE Director Thomas Homan has been appointed as “border czar,” while South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is set to lead the Department of Homeland Security.

As the debate over immigration continues, lawmakers are working to find common ground and address security concerns while upholding America’s values of inclusivity and safety. The No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act represents a step towards achieving these goals and safeguarding the country from potential threats.