This bill amends the Passport Act of 1926 to grant the Secretary of State new authority. It mandates the Secretary to refuse to issue or revoke passports for individuals who have been charged with or convicted of providing material support to terrorists, or who are determined to have knowingly aided a designated foreign terrorist organization. Key provisions include exceptions allowing for a limited passport for return travel to the United States and a waiver for humanitarian or emergency circumstances. Individuals whose passports are denied or revoked have a right to appeal the decision through a hearing within 60 days. The bill also outlines a process for passport restoration if an individual is acquitted or the determination changes. Furthermore, it requires the Secretary to submit a report to Congress within 30 days regarding any such passport actions. The legislation defines "material support" broadly, while explicitly excluding medicine or religious materials, and includes a rule of construction to protect First Amendment rights.
This bill amends the Passport Act of 1926 to grant the Secretary of State new authority. It mandates the Secretary to refuse to issue or revoke passports for individuals who have been charged with or convicted of providing material support to terrorists, or who are determined to have knowingly aided a designated foreign terrorist organization. Key provisions include exceptions allowing for a limited passport for return travel to the United States and a waiver for humanitarian or emergency circumstances. Individuals whose passports are denied or revoked have a right to appeal the decision through a hearing within 60 days. The bill also outlines a process for passport restoration if an individual is acquitted or the determination changes. Furthermore, it requires the Secretary to submit a report to Congress within 30 days regarding any such passport actions. The legislation defines "material support" broadly, while explicitly excluding medicine or religious materials, and includes a rule of construction to protect First Amendment rights.