Rubio Gets State Department To Admit They Can Revoke Visas Of Hamas Supporters In U.S.
State Department Confirms Authority to Revoke Visas of Hamas Supporters
After Florida GOP Senator Marco Rubio sent a letter to the State Department requesting a review and coordination effort to revoke the visas of those who have endorsed or espoused Hamas’ terrorist activity on U.S. soil, the State Department admitted in a return letter that they indeed had the authority to revoke those visas.
The State Department took a full month to respond, with Rubio’s letter sent on October 15 and their response dated November 15.
“As you are aware, the Secretary of State designated Hamas as a Foreign Terrorist Organization under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act on October 8, 1997,” the State Department acknowledged. “Our first priority when adjudicating visa applications is to ensure applicants do not pose a security risk to the United States. Every prospective traveler to the United States undergoes extensive security screening. This screening draws on information from the full range of U.S. government agencies, including biographic and biometric screening against U.S. law enforcement and counterterrorism databases. No visa is issued until all concerns raised by the screening process are fully resolved.”
Then the State Department admitted, “The Department of State also has broad authority under the INA to revoke visas. We exercise that authority when there is information or evidence indicating a visa holder may be ineligible for a U.S. visa. When we receive derogatory information that indicates potential visa ineligibility, we take immediate actions, such as entering the information into U.S. government databases and revoking visas if deemed appropriate.”
“State Department confirms they have the power to revoke the visas of Hamas supporters and deport them. Now they need to do it,” Rubio tweeted upon receipt of the letter.
State Department confirms they have the power to revoke the visas of Hamas supporters and deport them. Now they need to do it. pic.twitter.com/vCXyKufhad
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) November 16, 2023
Increased Threat of Attack Against Americans
At the end of October, FBI Director Christopher Wray warned that the Israel-Hamas war had raised the threat of an attack against Americans in the United States to a higher level. He told the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, “We assess that the actions of Hamas and its allies will serve as an inspiration the likes of which we haven’t seen since ISIS launched its so-called caliphate several years ago. … In just the past few weeks, multiple foreign terrorist organizations have called for attacks against Americans and the West.”
National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) Director Christine Abizaid stated that the war was being utilized as “a feature of messaging and propaganda” from various terror groups. She added, “We’ve seen it from al-Qaida affiliates, almost every single one. We’ve also seen it from ISIS, which ideologically isn’t aligned with a group like Hamas, but is still leveraging this current conflict. They are seeking to capitalize on this moment to galvanize supporters and organize further attacks.”
How does the State Department determine when to revoke a visa or place an individual on a watchlist?
H as revoking the visa or placing the individual on a watchlist, as appropriate.”
This response from the State Department is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and protect national security. Hamas, a Palestinian Islamic political and military organization, has long been designated as a terrorist group by the United States. Their activities, including suicide bombings, rocket attacks, and other acts of violence against Israeli civilians, have caused immense suffering and loss of life.
Senator Rubio’s letter highlighted the concern that individuals who support or endorse Hamas’ terrorist activities should not be granted entry into the United States. The State Department’s confirmation of their authority to revoke visas in such cases is a clear indication that the government is taking these concerns seriously and actively working to prevent individuals associated with terrorism from entering the country.
The rigorous screening process mentioned by the State Department is an essential part of ensuring national security. It is reassuring to know that all visa applicants undergo extensive security checks using information from various government agencies. This includes screening against law enforcement and counterterrorism databases to identify any potential security risks.
The admission by the State Department that they have the authority to revoke visas is a powerful tool in deterring potential supporters or endorsers of Hamas from attempting to enter the United States. By taking immediate action upon receiving derogatory information indicating potential visa ineligibility, the government can effectively prevent individuals with links to terrorist organizations from gaining entry.
However, it is crucial that the State Department remains vigilant in its efforts to revoke visas and deny entry to individuals associated with terrorist activities. The threat of terrorism is ever-present and constantly evolving, requiring continuous efforts to adapt security measures and stay one step ahead of those seeking to cause harm.
The coordination effort mentioned by Senator Rubio in his letter is also a crucial aspect of this process. Cooperation between various government agencies, including law enforcement and intelligence organizations, is paramount in identifying and addressing potential security risks. By sharing information and working together, these agencies can strengthen national security and protect the American people.
In conclusion, the State Department’s confirmation of their authority to revoke visas of Hamas supporters is a significant step in protecting national security and preventing individuals associated with terrorism from entering the United States. The rigorous screening process and immediate actions taken upon receiving derogatory information demonstrate the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens. However, ongoing efforts and coordination between government agencies remain necessary to stay ahead of the evolving threat of terrorism.
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