New Bill Could Cause US Citizens to Lose Passport Over Political Views

A bill set for debate in Congress could cause U.S. citizens to lose their passport based solely on political views, including criticizing Israel.

The Intercept reported that the legislation, introduced by Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, will be taken up during a hearing Wednesday. The measure is part of a broader State Department reorganization.

Bill could lead US citizens to lose passports over political views

Mast’s bill claims to target “terrorists and traffickers,” but critics say its language is so broad it could strip Americans of the right to travel without due process. One section would permit the secretary of state to deny or revoke passports for people convicted — or even just charged — with providing material support for terrorism. Another provision would let the secretary block passports for those he determines have aided a group already designated as a foreign terrorist organization.

Congressman Brian Mast has introduced a bill that would allow the State Department to revoke the passports of Americans who oppose Israel.

Under the legislation, anyone the State Department determines has “knowingly aided, assisted, abetted, or otherwise provided material… pic.twitter.com/1ogy1zq7oy

— AF Post (@AFpost) September 13, 2025

Civil liberties advocates say the bill risks criminalizing political expression. “This would allow thought policing at the hands of one individual,” Seth Stern, advocacy director at the Freedom of the Press Foundation, told The Intercept. “Marco Rubio has claimed the power to designate people terrorist supporters based solely on what they think and say — even if what they say doesn’t include a word about a terrorist organization or terrorism.”

Critics point to Rubio’s record of revoking visas and green cards from immigrants based on their pro-Palestine views. In March, Turkish doctoral student Rumeysa Ozturk lost her visa after writing an opinion piece critical of Israel, a move later overturned in court. Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian green-card holder, also faced deportation proceedings after Rubio labeled him a Hamas sympathizer, despite no criminal charges.

Kia Hamadanchy, senior policy counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union, said the bill provides little practical value since those convicted of terrorism already face long prison sentences. “If somebody actually provided material support for terrorism, there would be an instance where it would be prosecuted,” he said. “This just doesn’t make sense.”

The legislation includes a provision for citizens to appeal within 60 days, but only to the secretary of state who revoked the passport in the first place. Critics argue that makes the safeguard meaningless.

Similar proposals, including a recent attempt to allow the Treasury secretary to strip nonprofit groups of tax-exempt status if deemed “terrorist-supporting,” have alarmed civil liberties groups across the political spectrum.