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Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) has urged for the immediate expulsion of foreign nationals, including those on student visas, who endorse Hamas and its violent attacks on Israeli soil.
The high-profile Republican—who served in Iraq and Afghanistan—sent a letter on the matter to Alejandro Mayorkas, the head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), on Monday.
Mr. Cotton proposed that the DHS should begin with the deportation process for international students who signed or supported the letter from the Harvard Palestine Solidarity Committee on Oct. 7.
Citing U.S immigration laws that render foreigners ineligible for entry if they endorse terrorist activity, the Harvard graduate wrote: “These fifth-columnists have no place in the United States.”
“The appalling explosion of anti-Semitism in the United States over the past few weeks should disturb anyone who shares American values,” Mr. Cotton wrote.
“While American citizens may have a First Amendment right to speak disgusting vitriol if they so choose, no foreign national has a right to advocate for terrorism in the United States.”
The letter was sent amidst clashes between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian student groups on U.S. college campuses over the Israel-Hamas war, with the latter putting out statements that hold Israel accountable for the brutal Hamas attack.
The situation on the Gaza ground and mounting foreign policy challenges in the Middle East are now becoming a focal point of contention in the Republican presidential primaries.
In his prepared remarks at campaign events in Iowa on Monday, former President Donald Trump stated that he would ban pro-jihadist refugees and introduce an “ideological screening” during immigrant procedures if he is reelected.
“No longer will we allow dangerous lunatics, haters, bigots, and maniacs to get residency in our country,” said President Trump.
“If you empathize with radical Islamic terrorists and extremists, you’re disqualified—if you want to abolish the state of Israel, you’re disqualified—if you support Hamas or the ideology behind Hamas, you’re disqualified—and if you’re a communist, Marxist, or fascist, you are disqualified,” he said.
People demonstrate in support of Palestinians in New York City on Oct. 13, 2023. (Ed Jones/AFP via Getty Images)
People demonstrate in support of Palestinians in New York City on Oct. 13, 2023. (Ed Jones/AFP via Getty Images)
FBI Concerned About Rise in Threats
Terrorist threat levels in the United States have risen since Hamas launched its attack on Israel, said FBI Director Christopher Wray in remarks made during an address to an international police chief conference in San Diego, California, on Oct. 14.
“In this heightened environment, there’s no question we’re seeing an increase in reported threats, and we have to be on the lookout, especially for lone actors who may take inspiration from recent events to commit violence of their own,” Mr. Wray told the conference.
“So I encourage you to stay vigilant because as the first line of defense in protecting our communities, you’re often the first to see the signs that someone may be mobilizing to violence.”
Major U.S. cities are witnessing heightened alertness among police departments as they anticipate potential violence during pro-Palestinian demonstrations, particularly after a former Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal’s call for protests across the Muslim communities.
Supporters of Palestine participate in a rally in Times Square in response to the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 13, 2023, in New York City. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Supporters of Palestine participate in a rally in Times Square in response to the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 13, 2023, in New York City. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
In a recent media briefing, New York Mayor Eric Adams pledged to bolster law enforcement to surveil potential threats and ensure public safety in anticipation of significant protests.
“I want every New Yorker, especially our Jewish New Yorkers and other groups, to know there are currently no credible or specific threats against our city. But with large‑scale protests planned for tomorrow, we must remain vigilant,” said Mr. Adams.
“New York City is the most diverse city in the world, and protecting our residents is the most sacred responsibility that we have. We have directed the NYPD to surge additional resources to schools and houses of worship to ensure that they are safe and that our city remains a place of peace,” he said.
