Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB176

Introduced
1/3/25  
Refer
1/3/25  

Caption

No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists ActThis bill imposes immigration-related penalties on certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) who are involved with terrorism or attacks against Israel.Under this bill, members of Palestinian Islamic Jihad or Hamas or individuals who participated in or otherwise facilitated the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel may not be admitted into the United States.The bill also expands an existing admissions bar against officers, representatives, and spokespersons of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO). Under this bill, all PLO members are barred from admission into the United States.The bill also prohibits any non-U.S. national who participated in or otherwise facilitated the October 7, 2023, attacks from seeking any immigration-related relief or protections, including (1) protection from being deported to a country where the individual's life or freedom would be threatened, or (2) asylum in the United States.The Department of Homeland Security must annually report to Congress the number of individuals found to be inadmissible or deportable due to their participation in or facilitation of the attacks.

Impact

The proposed changes to immigration law under HB 176 would introduce rigorous criteria for inadmissibility, making individuals who have facilitated or participated in attacks against Israel ineligible for U.S. admission and immigration relief measures such as asylum. This bill would specifically expand upon existing provisions regarding the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) members, barring all PLO members from entering the United States. Such measures reflect a broader strategy to ensure that U.S. immigration policies align with geopolitical considerations and commitments to ally nations, particularly in light of heightened tensions in the region.

Summary

House Bill 176, titled the "No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act of 2025", aims to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to explicitly bar immigration benefits for individuals involved in terrorist activities against Israel, specifically those associated with Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. This legislation is a response to the attacks on Israel that began on October 7, 2023, and seeks to enhance national security by preventing those who have supported such violence from obtaining any immigration-related relief or protection within the United States. If passed, the bill would significantly tighten U.S. immigration policies concerning individuals linked to terrorism against Israel, reinforcing a strong stance in favor of national security measures against perceived threats from foreign nationals.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 176 appears divided. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step towards safeguarding U.S. immigration processes and mitigating risks associated with terrorism. They contend that it sends a clear message of solidarity with Israel while simultaneously prioritizing national security. However, critics of the bill may argue that it risks broadening the scope of discrimination against individuals based on national or ethnic backgrounds, potentially alienating moderate individuals who are not involved in violent extremism. This presents a balance between national security and human rights considerations that is often debated in immigration policy discussions.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the implications of such restrictions. Critics fear that these measures could lead to overly broad interpretations that deny entry not only to those directly involved in terrorism but potentially to innocent civilians caught in broader conflicts. Additionally, there are concerns regarding due process and the administrative burden that would come with substantiating claims of inadmissibility. The legal ramifications of determining participation in terror-related activities also raise questions about the evidentiary standards required to enforce the provisions effectively, creating potential challenges for law enforcement and immigration authorities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HR980

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5585) to impose criminal and immigration penalties for intentionally fleeing a pursuing Federal officer while operating a motor vehicle; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6678) to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide that aliens who have been convicted of or who have committed Social Security fraud are inadmissible and deportable; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6679) to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to aliens who carried out, participated in, planned, financed, supported, or otherwise facilitated the attacks against Israel; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6976) to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide that aliens who have been convicted of or who have committed an offense for driving while intoxicated or impaired are inadmissible and deportable.

US HR796

Condemning foreign nationals in the United States who have endorsed and espoused the actions of foreign terrorist organizations (FTO) in Gaza who, on October 7, 2023, launched attacks against the State of Israel, and killed innocent Israeli and United States citizens.

US SR413

A resolution condemning foreign nationals in the United States who have endorsed and espoused the actions of foreign terrorist organizations (FTO) in Gaza who, on October 7, 2023, launched attacks against the State of Israel, and killed innocent Israeli and United States citizens.

US SB3874

Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad International Terrorism Support Prevention Act of 2024

US HB86

Ending Catch and Release Act of 2023 This bill changes the treatment of certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) without lawful immigration status, including by prohibiting the release of asylum seekers into the United States while their cases are pending. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may not (with some exceptions) release an individual who is not clearly entitled to admission into the United States while the individual's case is pending, even if the individual is an asylum seeker. DHS may instead detain the individual or return the individual to a neighboring country in certain situations. The bill also expands expedited removal from the United States (i.e., removal without further hearing or review) to include individuals present in the United States without being admitted, with certain exceptions. Under current law, individuals are subject to expedited removal if they lack proper documentation or obtained an immigration benefit through fraud; such individuals are still subject to expedited removal under the bill. The bill also modifies the standard for establishing a credible fear of persecution to avoid expedited removal. Generally, an asylum seeker may avoid expedited removal if an asylum officer finds such a credible fear. Under this bill, an officer may find credible fear if it is more likely than not the individual can establish their eligibility for asylum, whereas under current law, the officer may find credible fear if there is a significant possibility that the individual can establish their eligibility.

US HB6679

No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act

US HR1533

Reaffirming United States support of the State of Israel one year after the October 7, 2023, attacks.

US SB5304

No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act

US SB1647

Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad International Terrorism Support Prevention Act of 2023

US HB90

Voter Integrity Protection Act This bill imposes additional immigration-related penalties for non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) who vote in an election for federal office. It shall be an aggravated felony for a non-U.S. national who is unlawfully present to violate an existing prohibition against a non-U.S. national voting in a federal election. (An aggravated felony conviction carries various immigration consequences, such as rendering the non-U.S. national inadmissible, deportable, and barred from establishing good moral character for naturalization.) A non-U.S. national who is unlawfully present and who knowingly violates the prohibition against voting in a federal election shall be deportable.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.