Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) is taking significant steps to thwart terrorism from abroad by introducing a legislative resolution in the US Senate. The resolution would revoke visas for foreign citizens that are deemed to be supporters of Hamas, a militant Palestinian organization designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department.
The decision to introduce the resolution comes in the wake of the recent conflict in Gaza, where Hamas and their allies fired over 4,000 rockets and missiles at Israel. Hamas, which has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks in the past, sought to target civilians in an attempt to maximize the death and destruction of the conflict.
Rubio’s resolution seeks to cut off the financial and support pipeline to Hamas, and would prevent individuals from entering the United States if they are deemed to be active supporters of the terror group. The criteria for being classified as a Hamas supporter would include individuals who gave material support to the group, either in the form of money or resources and/or have publically expressed support for its activities.
The bill, which has bipartisan support in the Senate, has garnered widespread praise from both Israeli and US officials. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu released a statement commending the move, saying that it stands as a testament to the “strong relations between the United States and Israel and the determination of the two countries to fight terrorism.”
Rubio himself noted that the resolution sends a message to any group seeking to use terror abroad that they will not be rewarded with access to the United States. He stated, “This resolution means that if Hamas wants to be treated like a legitimate group, it must act like a legitimate group.”
The resolution is expected to be brought to the floor of the Senate in the near future, where it is expected to pass with a wide majority. If approved, the bill will reduce the possibility of Hamas-backed foreign citizens entering and residing in the United States, and will disrupt any efforts at collaboration with the organization.