Cruz: Strip citizenship from Americans who join terrorist groups

"The Expatriate Terrorist Act will ensure that any American who forfeits their country to intentionally join [the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria] will have their citizenship stripped and won’t be able to use a U.S. passport to come back and murder American citizens," the Texas Republican said in a statement. 

 

Cruz reintroduced the legislation on Tuesday, arguing it's a necessary step to combat "radical Islamic terror." 

 

GOP Sens. Chuck GrassleyChuck GrassleyLGBT groups: Gorsuch more extreme than Scalia How to CREATE generic pharma competition FBI director briefs top senators on Russia MORE (Iowa) and Mike LeeMike LeeSen. Susan Collins comes out against House GOP healthcare bill How to CREATE generic pharma competition Paul replaces Cruz as GOP agitator MORE (Utah) are backing Cruz's legislation, and Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) introduced a version of the bill in the House.

 

Under the legislation, an individual could have their U.S. citizenship revoked if they pledge allegiance to, work for or serve in the military of a group or government designated as a foreign terrorist organization; commit treason against or try to overthrow the U.S. government, or provide material support to a terrorist group. 

 

Cruz's bill would also let the secretary of State deny a passport to someone who joined or is trying to join a terrorist organization or is a "threat to the national security interest of the United States." 

 

An individual would have 60 days to try to appeal the State Department's decision. 

 

Cruz's renewal of his legislation comes as the White House is entangled in a legal battle over President Trump's executive order temporarily banning refugees and nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries. 

 

Cruz previously floated that his legislation should be paired with cracking down on the acceptance of refugees from certain countries.