As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares to address a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, Republican lawmakers are making a move to deter anti-Israel protests. Senator Tom Cotton, R-Ark., has introduced a bill that would revoke visas from non-citizens who participate in demonstrations at universities or religious institutions and are convicted of crimes during those protests. The bill also extends this revocation to individuals convicted of crimes involving the defacing, vandalizing, or destruction of federal monuments or memorials. This legislation comes in response to the rise of pro-Palestinian demonstrations, sometimes supporting the terrorist group Hamas, that occurred on college campuses earlier this year. These demonstrations often featured anti-Semitic and anti-Israel sentiments. The bill states that those who engage in highway, road, bridge, or tunnel blockades as a form of protest would also lose their visas. Senator Cotton asserts that the Biden administration’s inaction against these protests has emboldened extremist groups and that this bill clarifies that a green card does not grant individuals the right to break US laws in support of anti-Semitic views. The bill, co-sponsored by Senators Marsha Blackburn and Ted Budd, also has a companion version introduced by Representative Jim Banks in the House. Banks emphasizes that pro-Hamas rioters have terrorized communities across the US without consequence and that foreign individuals who come to spread antisemitism, block highways, and deface public property must face immediate deportation. The proposed legislation is garnering attention ahead of Netanyahu’s speech, which has already seen several Democrats, including Vice President Kamala Harris, announce their absence. This move comes amidst a larger context of tensions surrounding the recent war between Israel and Hamas, which began in October 2023 following Hamas’ attack on Israeli civilians. This attack resulted in over 1,200 deaths and hundreds taken hostage in Gaza. Israel has launched a counteroffensive against Hamas, who often strategically hide in densely populated areas and use civilians as human shields. The bill’s introduction coincides with a growing debate about the Democratic Party’s stance on Israel, with Senator Cotton publicly criticizing their approach. The upcoming address by Prime Minister Netanyahu is likely to further fuel these discussions, as he addresses Congress in the midst of a complex and politically charged environment.
US Lawmakers Seek Visa Revocation for Anti-Israel Protesters Ahead of Netanyahu Speech
