The Biden administration has confirmed that it has the authority to revoke the visas of foreign nationals who are living in the U.S. but who support terrorist groups such as Hamas – just as Republicans are urging the government to crack down on pro-Hamas foreigners.
In a letter to Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., the State Department confirmed that Hamas is a designated foreign terrorist organization and that the State Dept. has the power to revoke visas.
“The Department of State also has broad authority under the [Immigration and Nationality Act] to revoke visas,” the agency said. “We exercise the authority when there is information or evidence indicating a visa holder may be ineligible for a U.S. visa.”
Additionally, it said that when it receives “derogatory information” indicating ineligibility, it takes “immediate action” which can include revocation of visas.
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“Even after issuance of a visa, the Department of State works closely with the Department of Homeland Security and other partner agencies to ensure every visa applicant is continuously screened to ensure they remain eligible for travel to the United States,” it told Rubio.
