Getting Terrorist Fanatics Out Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Van Duyne, Beth [R-TX-24]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 24, 2026
Bottom line
The bill expands the grounds for mandatory denaturalization to include convictions for providing material support to terrorism, thereby allowing for the revocation of citizenship for naturalized citizens found guilty of these offenses.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to mandate the denaturalization of any naturalized U.S. citizen upon conviction for providing material support to terrorists or designated foreign terrorist organizations under sections 2339A or 2339B of title 18, United States Code. It confers jurisdiction on the courts handling such convictions to revoke and cancel the individual's citizenship and naturalization certificate.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill is a critical national security measure, ensuring that individuals who provide material support to terrorism, thereby betraying their oath of allegiance, are stripped of their U.S. citizenship. They contend it closes a perceived loophole, preventing those who actively aid terrorist organizations from retaining the privileges of American citizenship and potentially facing deportation.
Opponents contend
Opponents contend that this bill creates a two-tiered system of citizenship, where naturalized citizens face a penalty (loss of citizenship) that native-born citizens do not, even if they commit similar or worse offenses. They argue it raises significant due process and equal protection concerns, and that existing criminal penalties and deportation laws for non-citizens are already sufficient to address terrorism-related offenses.
The bill text is exceptionally short and can be read in under two minutes, making it highly accessible for quick review.
Section 2
Mandatory Denaturalization for Terrorist Offenses
This provision amends Section 340(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. It adds a new clause specifying that if a person is convicted under 18 U.S.C. 2339A (providing material support to terrorists) or 18 U.S.C. 2339B (providing material support or resources to designated foreign terrorist organizations), the court where the conviction occurred must revoke their citizenship and cancel their naturalization certificate. This makes denaturalization a mandatory consequence of such convictions for naturalized citizens.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this provision is essential for national security, ensuring that individuals who have demonstrated disloyalty to the United States by supporting terrorism cannot retain the privilege of citizenship. They believe it strengthens the integrity of U.S. citizenship and provides a clear consequence for such grave offenses.
Critics contend
Critics contend that this provision creates a disparate impact on naturalized citizens compared to native-born citizens who commit similar crimes, potentially violating equal protection principles. They argue that existing criminal penalties and immigration laws already provide sufficient mechanisms to address individuals who engage in terrorism-related activities.
Tradeoffs
This provision navigates the tension between enhancing national security by imposing severe consequences for terrorism-related offenses and upholding principles of equal protection and due process for all citizens, regardless of how citizenship was acquired.