H.R.176 - No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.176, the "No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act of 2025," amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to deny immigration benefits to aliens who participated in, planned, financed, supported, or otherwise facilitated the attacks against Israel initiated by Hamas beginning on October 7, 2023. The bill specifically targets those involved in the attacks by adding Hamas to the list of terrorist organizations and making participants in the attacks inadmissible and ineligible for relief under immigration laws. It also requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit annual reports to Congress on the number of aliens found inadmissible or removable under these provisions.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill will be to prevent individuals involved in the specified Hamas attacks from obtaining any form of immigration benefit in the United States. This includes asylum, refugee status, and other forms of relief from deportation. The Department of Homeland Security will also be required to track and report on the number of individuals denied entry or removed under these provisions.
Potential Benefits
- Strengthened national security by preventing potential terrorists from residing in the U.S.
- Increased public safety by reducing the risk of terrorist activities within the country.
- Alignment with U.S. foreign policy objectives regarding counter-terrorism.
- Demonstration of support for Israel and condemnation of terrorism.
- Potential deterrence of future terrorist acts by signaling consequences for involvement.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for misidentification or false accusations, leading to unjust denial of immigration benefits.
- Possible strain on diplomatic relations with countries or organizations that may view the law as discriminatory.
- Increased administrative burden on the Department of Homeland Security to investigate and process cases.
- Risk of fueling anti-immigrant sentiment and discrimination against certain ethnic or religious groups.
- Potential for legal challenges based on due process or equal protection grounds.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the federal government's power to regulate immigration and protect national security, as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. This section grants Congress the power to establish a uniform Rule of Naturalization. However, potential due process concerns could arise if individuals are denied immigration benefits based on insufficient evidence or without a fair hearing, implicating the Fifth Amendment. The First Amendment is not directly implicated as the law focuses on actions, not beliefs or speech.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).