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HR 176

No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by Josh Brecheen and 19 co-sponsors

HR 176 bars individuals involved in terrorism against Israel, particularly Hamas, from receiving U.S. immigration benefits, enhancing national security measures.

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
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Bill Summary · HR 176

Summary of HR 176: No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act of 2025

Purpose and Intent

The No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act of 2025 (HR 176) aims to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish grounds for the inadmissibility and removability of aliens involved in terrorist activities against Israel, specifically those associated with Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The bill seeks to prevent individuals who have participated in or supported acts of terrorism from receiving immigration benefits or relief.

Key Provisions

  1. Inadmissibility Criteria:

    • The bill amends Section 212(a)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to include a new provision (subparagraph H) that states any alien who has:
      • Carried out, participated in, planned, financed, or provided material support to the attacks against Israel initiated by Hamas on or after October 7, 2023, is considered inadmissible to the United States.

  2. Ineligibility for Relief:

    • The bill adds to Section 241(b)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, making any alien who meets the above criteria ineligible for any form of immigration relief, including asylum and other protections.

  3. Conforming Amendments:

    • Updates to Section 237(a)(4)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to reflect the new inadmissibility grounds.

  4. Reporting Requirement:

    • The Secretary of Homeland Security is mandated to submit an annual report to Congress detailing the number of aliens found inadmissible under the new provision and those removed from the U.S. based on these criteria.

Affected Parties

  • Aliens: The primary group affected by this legislation includes individuals who have been involved in terrorist activities against Israel, particularly those linked to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
  • U.S. Immigration System: The bill would impact the processes and criteria used by immigration authorities to assess the admissibility of individuals seeking entry into the United States.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: January 3, 2025
  • Committee Actions:
    • Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary on January 3, 2025.
    • Considered and marked up by the committee on February 26, 2025.
    • Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary on March 21, 2025.
  • Current Status: As of March 21, 2025, the bill has been placed on the Union Calendar and is awaiting further legislative action.

Background and Need for Legislation

The bill was introduced in response to the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas, which resulted in significant loss of life and raised concerns about the potential for similar attacks on U.S. soil. The legislation reflects a growing apprehension regarding national security and the need to prevent individuals with ties to terrorist organizations from entering or remaining in the United States.

Conclusion

HR 176 seeks to strengthen U.S. immigration laws by explicitly barring individuals involved in terrorism against Israel from obtaining immigration benefits. This legislation underscores the U.S. commitment to national security and the prevention of terrorism-related activities within its borders.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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