Preserving a Sharia-Free America Act

Full Title:
Preserving a Sharia-Free America Act

Summary#

This bill would change the Immigration and Nationality Act to make advocating for the imposition of Sharia law a reason to deny entry or immigration benefits to a noncitizen (called "alien" in the text) if that advocacy would violate another person's rights under the U.S. Constitution or federal or state law. It directs the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Attorney General to deny visas, immigration relief, or admission for such advocacy. It also says those officials must revoke immigration benefits, consider the person inadmissible or deportable, and remove them from the United States if they determine the person advocated for such imposition. The bill adds new clauses to sections 212(a) and 237(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act spelling out inadmissibility and deportability for this conduct. The bill also says making a false statement about such advocacy to federal officials can lead to revocation of benefits and removal. Finally, the bill states that decisions under the removal provision are final and not subject to court review.

What it means for you#

  • Noncitizens applying for visas, admission, or immigration relief could be denied if officials determine they advocate imposing Sharia law in ways that would violate others' constitutional or legal rights.
  • Noncitizens already in the United States could have visas or immigration benefits revoked and be placed in removal proceedings for the same advocacy.
  • Providing a false statement to federal officers about such advocacy, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1001, could also trigger revocation and removal.
  • The bill says removal decisions under the specified provision would be final and not reviewable by courts.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

The bill text says it is meant to add advocacy for imposing Sharia law that would violate others' constitutional or legal rights as a ground for inadmissibility and deportability. Supporters, based on the bill language, would say it creates clear grounds to deny admission or remove noncitizens who advocate imposing Sharia law in ways that would violate the rights of others.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.