Proposed Bill To Take Citizens Passports Based On Political Speech

U.S. passports are arranged for a photograph in Tigard, Ore., on Dec. 11, 2021. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane, File)

A bill proposed by Republicans will allow Secretary of State Marco Rubio to take U.S. citizen passports based purely on political speech. The bill was introduced by Rep. Brian Mast from Florida.

The news about the bill came as members of the Trump administration threatened to use their official powers to silence and intimidate political opponents and critics. This follows numerous instances earlier this year of the administration targeting pro-Palestinian activists. Focused on rooting out terrorism and the trafficking of contraband, Mast’s H.R. 5300 bill drew backlash, according to The Intercept.

Under the new bill, the Secretary of State could deny or revoke passports for those “determined” to have aided or abetted a group designated as a foreign terrorist organization, with no requirement for a criminal conviction or judicial process. Those accused have 60 days to request a hearing. 

The U.S. government recently went on a shut down as Congress could not agree on terms for funding.