In a decisive move, Congressional Republicans have tabled a bill aimed at deporting non-citizens implicated in violent acts and vandalism on federal property.
The legislation, dubbed the "No Visas for Violent Criminals Act," was introduced by Senator Tom Cotton (R-AK) on Wednesday. The proposed law stipulates the immediate termination of visas and mandates deportation within 60 days for any non-citizen found guilty of criminal offenses during protests.
As reported by The Post Millennial, this legislative action follows a recent anti-Israel demonstration in Washington DC, which escalated into violence during a speech by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The bill is co-sponsored by Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), with Representative Jim Banks (R-IN) spearheading a corresponding bill in the House.
The legislation targets non-citizens convicted of offenses that include obstruction of highways, roads, bridges, or tunnels, or any misconduct during protests at higher education or religious institutions in the United States. It also encompasses offenses related to the defacement or destruction of federal property, including monuments and memorials.
Senator Cotton, in his statement on the bill, criticized the Biden administration's perceived inaction against pro-Hamas mobs. He said, "The Biden administrations inaction against pro-Hamas mobs has only emboldened these extremists. Our legislation makes clear that a green card does not give individuals the right to break our laws in support of anti-Semitic views.
Congressman Banks echoed Cotton's sentiments in a press release, stating, For months, pro-Hamas rioters have terrorized communities across the U.S. without consequence. Foreigners who come here to spread antisemitism, block highways, and deface statues and other public property must be deported immediately. Senator Cottons and my bill would do exactly that.
The anti-Israel protest in Washington DC on Wednesday saw agitators clashing with police officers, vandalizing monuments, and burning American flags during Netanyahu's speech. The turmoil culminated in the burning and replacement of flags at Union Station with Palestinian flags. In response, House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Congressional Republicans gathered to raise new American flags and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Senator Cotton, responding to the violent protests, posted, This morning my colleagues and I introduced a bill to deport any foreigner involved in violence and vandalism on federal property. He further added, The actions of the pro-Hamas lunatics at Union Station in DC are shameful, and anyone on a visa who took part should have it revoked immediately.
Senator Blackburn, expressing her views on the violent protests, stated, We need to arrest every terrorist sympathizer who has vandalized federal property and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. Then, we should send them to Gaza.
This proposed legislation underscores the Republicans' commitment to maintaining law and order, and their firm stance against acts of violence and vandalism, particularly those perpetrated by non-citizens. It remains to be seen how this bill will fare in Congress and what impact it may have on future protests and demonstrations.
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