Terrorist Inadmissibility Codification Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Nov 20, 2025
Bottom line
This bill codifies and expands the categories of individuals associated with specific designated terrorist groups who are deemed inadmissible to the U.S. under existing immigration law.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to explicitly include officers, officials, representatives, spokespersons, and members of Hamas, Palestine Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, Al-Qaeda, and ISIS, as well as individuals who endorse or espouse their terrorist activities, within the definition of those considered to be engaged in terrorist activity. This designation makes such individuals inadmissible to the United States.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill strengthens national security by explicitly preventing individuals associated with known terrorist organizations from entering the United States, closing potential loopholes and providing clear guidance for immigration officials. They contend it is a necessary measure to protect the homeland from threats posed by these groups.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while the intent is to enhance security, existing law already provides broad authority to deny entry to individuals involved in terrorism, making this bill largely redundant or potentially overly broad in its application to those who 'endorse or espouse' activities, which could be subject to varied interpretation.
The bill text is extremely short and can be read and understood in under a minute, allowing ample time for public review and evaluation.
Section 2
Expansion of Terrorist Activity Definition for Inadmissibility
This section amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to explicitly state that officers, officials, representatives, spokespersons, and members of Hamas, Palestine Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, Al-Qaeda, ISIS, or any successor or affiliate group, are considered to be engaged in terrorist activity. It also includes individuals who 'endorse or espouse' terrorist activities conducted by these organizations, thereby making them inadmissible to the United States. This expands upon existing law which already included the Palestine Liberation Organization.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision provides essential clarity and strengthens national security by explicitly listing these organizations, ensuring that individuals associated with them are unequivocally barred from entering the U.S. They believe it removes any ambiguity that might exist under broader definitions and sends a strong message against terrorism.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that existing law already grants sufficient authority to deem such individuals inadmissible, and this specific codification may be largely symbolic or could lead to overly broad interpretations of 'endorse or espouse,' potentially impacting individuals with tangential or non-violent connections.
Tradeoffs
The bill balances the desire for explicit statutory clarity in national security measures against concerns about potential redundancy with existing broad authorities and the interpretation of terms like 'endorse or espouse' which could affect a wider range of individuals.