GOP looks to revoke visas from participants in violent protests ahead of Netanyahu address

Sen. Tom Cotton introduced a bill to strip noncitizens of applicable visas if they're convicted of participating in violent or destructive protests.

Cotton introduced the bill on Wednesday. (Getty Images)

Those who block highways, roads, bridges or tunnels as a form of protest would also lose their visas. 

"The Biden administration’s inaction against pro-Hamas mobs has only emboldened these extremists. This bill makes clear that a green card does not give individuals the right to break our laws in support of anti-Semitic views," Cotton said in a statement to Fox News Digital. 

KAMALA HARRIS TO SKIP NETANYAHU'S ADDRESS TO CONGRESS, WHILE TOP DEM SENATOR BOYCOTTS ALTOGETHER

In the spring, a highly covered encampment sprung up on Columbia University's campus in New York City, which participants said was to express solidarity for Palestinian people in Gaza. The resulting demonstrations frequently featured antisemitic and anti-Israel sentiment and messaging. 

Cotton has slammed the Democratic Party over its stance on Israel. (Fox News)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Cotton's latest legislation is co-sponsored by Sens. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., and Ted Budd, R-N.C., and a companion version was introduced by Rep. Jim Banks, R–Ind., in the House. 

"For months, pro-Hamas rioters have terrorized communities across the U.S. without consequence. Foreigners who come here to spread antisemitism, block highways, and deface statues and other public property must be deported immediately. Senator Cotton’s and my bill would do exactly that," Banks said in a statement. 

Julia Johnson is a politics writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, leading coverage of the U.S. Senate. She was previously a politics reporter at the Washington Examiner. 

Follow Julia's reporting on X at @JuliaaJohnson_ and send tips to Julia.Johnson@fox.com.

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/gop-looks-revoke-visas-from-participants-violent-protests-ahead-netanyahu-address