Deport the Terrorists Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Huizenga, Bill [R-MI-4]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 2, 2026
Bottom line
This bill seeks to strip naturalized citizens of their U.S. citizenship and deport them if they are convicted of certain terrorism-related crimes.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to mandate the revocation of U.S. citizenship for naturalized citizens convicted of specific terrorism-related offenses. It establishes conviction for such offenses as a ground for deportability and prioritizes the removal of individuals whose citizenship is revoked under these new provisions.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that individuals who commit terrorism-related crimes betray their allegiance to the United States and should not retain the privileges of citizenship, especially if that citizenship was acquired through naturalization. They contend that this measure enhances national security by ensuring that those who pose a threat can be removed from the country, aligning citizenship with loyalty and public safety.
Opponents contend
Opponents may argue that revoking citizenship, even for serious crimes, sets a dangerous precedent, potentially creating a two-tiered system of citizenship where naturalized citizens have fewer rights than birthright citizens. They might also raise concerns about due process, the finality of naturalization, and the potential for such a law to be applied broadly or retroactively, undermining fundamental principles of equal protection under the law.
The bill is short and straightforward, allowing for quick comprehension of its core provisions.
Section 2, amending Section 340(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1451(e))
Mandatory Revocation of Naturalization for Terrorism Convictions
This provision requires a court to revoke the citizenship of any naturalized U.S. citizen upon their conviction for a terrorism-related offense. The court must declare the naturalization order void and cancel the certificate of naturalization, effectively stripping the individual of their U.S. citizenship.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this provision is a necessary tool to protect national security and ensure that those who commit acts of terror against the U.S. forfeit the privilege of citizenship. They believe it reinforces the idea that citizenship comes with responsibilities, including loyalty to the nation.
Critics contend
Critics contend that this provision creates a second-class citizenship for naturalized citizens, as birthright citizens cannot be denaturalized for similar crimes. They argue it undermines the principle of equal protection and the finality of naturalization, potentially leading to a slippery slope where citizenship can be revoked for other serious offenses.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between national security concerns and the principle of equal citizenship rights for all U.S. citizens, regardless of how citizenship was acquired.
Section 2(2)(B), amending Section 340(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1451(e))
Specific Definition of Terrorism-Related Offenses
This section precisely defines what constitutes a 'terrorism-related offense' for the purpose of denaturalization. It lists nine specific sections of Title 18 of the U.S. Code, which cover various acts of terrorism, including providing material support to terrorists, bombing government property, and financing terrorism, as well as attempts or conspiracies to commit these offenses.
Section 3, amending Section 237(a)(4)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1227(a)(4)(B))
Terrorism Conviction as a Ground for Deportability
This provision adds conviction for a terrorism-related offense (as defined in the bill) as a specific ground for deportability for any alien. This means that if a person is denaturalized under Section 2, they would then be considered an 'alien' and immediately become deportable based on their conviction.
Section 4
Prioritized Removal of Denaturalized Individuals
This section directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to prioritize the removal of any person whose citizenship has been revoked under the new denaturalization provisions. This ensures that once denaturalized, these individuals are at the top of the list for deportation proceedings.