Major Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall in Florida, bringing with it devastating storm surge, winds, and inland flooding. The Seminole Tribe of Florida should have access to the federal resources required for emergency response and recovery preparations on...
Major Hurricane Milton is forecasted to potentially hinder or obstruct the Port of Tampa Bay, which receives more than 40 percent of Florida’s petroleum products. It’s crucial for the federal government to expedite all requested measures to protect Florida’s economy...
Major Hurricane Milton is forecasted to impact Florida with devastating storm surge, winds, and inland flooding. After just being hit by Hurricane Helene, it’s crucial for the State of Florida to have the support of the federal government. U.S. Senators Marco Rubio...
This year marks the first anniversary of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks against Israel. 32 Americans died in those attacks, and four of the Americans taken hostage that day remain in captivity. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) released a video remembering the...
Following Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic damage throughout Florida’s gulf coast, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) met with the Florida Farm Bureau as well as local agricultural producers, farmers, and growers to discuss the storm’s impact. Photos are courtesy of...
Following Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic damage throughout Florida’s Gulf Coast, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) met with local officials and volunteers from the barrier islands to discuss the storm’s impact and current recovery efforts. Photos are courtesy of...
Following its brutal and unjustified attacks on Israeli civilians, Hamas, the Iranian-backed terrorist group, declared a global “day of rage” and called for its supporters to commit acts of violence across the globe. Many of those who organized demonstrations in support of Hamas, which is a U.S. designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), are living, studying, or working in the United States on visas. Current law prohibits supporters of terrorism entry into the United States.
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken demanding he review and revoke the visas of those who have endorsed or embraced Hamas’s terrorist activity.
The full text of the letter is below.
Dear Secretary Blinken:
I write with regard to a disturbing increase in demonstrations in support of Hamas, a U.S. designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), on American soil. Coupled with direct instructions from Hamas to participate in a “day of rage,” it is crucial that our government responds swiftly. The U.S. Department of State plays a key role in this, and as such, I call on you to immediately perform a full review and coordination effort to revoke the visas of those who have endorsed or espoused Hamas’ terrorist activity.
Starting on October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a brutal terrorist attack on the State of Israel. Let me be clear: Hamas slaughtered, raped, mutilated, and kidnapped innocent Israeli civilians—as well as dozens of Americans. It is extremely concerning that numerous pro-Hamas protests have taken place on American soil, many of which occurred on college campuses.
America is the most welcoming country in the world. During Fiscal Year 2022 alone, we issued more than six million nonimmigrant visas. However, the privilege of entering and staying in our great country is not afforded to those who wish to do us harm or advocate on behalf of Hamas. Per 8 U.S.C. 1182, an alien is inadmissible into the United States should they represent “a political, social, or other group that endorses or espouses terrorist activity.” Hamas’ designation as a FTO makes this a clear directive to institute a thorough review of all visa holders and applicants. This should include coordination with law enforcement, both federal and state/local, as well as universities.
I urge you to immediately use existing law to eradicate this hate from our country. In addition, I will be introducing legislation to provide further tools to ensure supporters of Hamas, and other FTOs, do not benefit from our country’s generosity. I welcome your input. Thank you for your attention for this important matter.
Sincerely,