H.R. 7958: Expatriate Terrorists Act of 2026

This bill, titled the Expatriate Terrorists Act of 2026, addresses the issues related to U.S. nationality and immigration in the context of support for terrorism. Here are the main components of the bill:

Renunciation of U.S. Nationality

The bill modifies the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish that certain activities in support of terrorism will be regarded as a renunciation of U.S. nationality. Specifically, involvement with foreign terrorist organizations or acts of terrorism may lead to the loss of U.S. nationality.

Deportation Procedures

• Mandatory Detention: The bill changes who is responsible for detainees under certain conditions, assigning this role to the Secretary of Homeland Security instead of the Attorney General. It specifies conditions under which certain individuals may be detained to protect national security.
• Aliens Who Have Lost Naturalization: The bill clarifies that individuals whose naturalization has been revoked or who have renounced their nationality due to terrorism-related issues are subject to deportation.

Expedited Removal Proceedings

The bill allows for expedited legal proceedings for individuals convicted of terrorism-related offenses. This includes:

• Granting priority in the court system for cases involving convicted terrorists and their supporters.
• Permitting simultaneous denaturalization and removal proceedings, while ensuring that removal orders cannot be executed until the denaturalization is finalized.

Jurisdiction Changes

The jurisdiction over certain denaturalization and deportation claims will be revised to include the new provisions specified in this bill, particularly concerning allegations of supporting terrorism.

Additional Denaturalization Grounds

• The bill adds "membership in foreign terrorist organizations" as a basis for denaturalization.
• It states that engaging in or materially supporting acts of terrorism will serve to annul an individual's citizenship, retroactively from the time of naturalization.

Loss of Nationality Conditions

Section 349(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act is amended to elaborate on the grounds for losing U.S. nationality. This includes:

• Joining or engaging in military actions with foreign terrorist organizations.
• Providing assistance or training to such organizations.
• Conspiring to support terrorism.

Enforcement Provisions

The bill emphasizes that violations related to terrorism will be taken seriously and changes current laws to ensure that support for such activities can result in loss of nationality and expedited removal processes.

Relevant Companies

None found.