Pfluger Proposes Ban on Terrorist Group Members Entering U.S.

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) introduced legislation today to keep foreign adversaries and terrorist sympathizers out of America. 

The Terrorist Inadmissibility Codification Act would expand current U.S. law to prohibit members, officers, officials, representatives, and spokesmen of Hamas, Hezbollah, Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and Palestine Islamic Jihad from entering, or remaining in, the U.S. The bill would also apply to aliens who endorse or espouse terrorist activities conducted by any of these U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO). 

“There is no place in America for foreign adversaries or terrorist sympathizers," Rep. Pfluger said. "As our nation faces a disturbing rise in antisemitic and illegal alien terror attacks, along with increasing pro-Hamas sentiment on our college campuses, we must take action to ensure our borders are secure from those wishing harm against Americans. I’m proud to introduce the Terrorist Inadmissibility Codification Act today to take a critical step in that effort.”

Rep. Pfluger's legislation is supported by Representatives Michael McCaul (TX-10) and Derek Schmidt (KS-02). 

Read the full text of the legislation here.

Background:

Following the October 7th terrorist attacks in Israel, pro-Hamas demonstrations have continued to sweep across the U.S., including by foreign nationals. Under federal law, individuals who endorse or espouse terrorist activity are inadmissible. Current law explicitly states that members of certain groups, including the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), are not permitted in the U.S. However, the PLO is not the only group that should be banned in our nation.

This law expands that list to Hamas, Hezbollah, Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and Palestine Islamic Jihad, ensuring that all affiliates of these groups are categorically banned from entry or residency in the U.S. The bill also clarifies and expands the scope to include not only direct members but also those who publicly endorse or espouse terrorist activities, banning these individuals from receiving a visa or admission to the U.S.

This bill would close potential loopholes by making the ban statutory and explicit rather than relying solely on regulatory or administrative designations.