SC New York News

Congressman Nick Langworthy has reintroduced the Veto Your Visas Act, a legislative proposal aimed at revoking student visas for individuals supporting Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), including Hamas. This bill was initially presented during the 118th Congress.

The proposed legislation mandates that higher education institutions report to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) if they discover a student on an Exchange Visitor or Academic Student nonimmigrant visa has engaged in or endorsed activities supporting an FTO. It also requires the Secretary of State to revoke such a student's visa. Following visa revocation, the Secretary of Homeland Security would initiate removal proceedings against the student.

Recent events involving Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian raised in Syria and now a permanent U.S. resident, have prompted this action. Khalil's participation in protests against Israel at Columbia University led to investigations by the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, and State Department as he is considered a potential national security threat. His actions highlight the need for legislation to prevent similar occurrences.

“I commend the Trump Administration and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on taking swift action against Khalil," Congressman Langworthy stated. "It is a privilege to come to the United States to study and learn—it is not a free pass to come here and spread hate and support terrorism. This legislation would ensure anyone here on a student visa who supports a Foreign Terrorist Organization will be deported, protecting our national security and making it clear we have zero tolerance for terrorism.”

The bill has garnered support from several co-sponsors: Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX), Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC), Rep. Abraham Hamadeh (R-AZ), Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN), and Rep. Daniel Webster (R-FL).