No Safe Haven for Terrorist Families Act
- Bill Number
- S. 4526
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Immigration
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-14: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-23T20:40:52Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of S. 4526: No Safe Haven for Terrorist Families Act
Purpose
This bill aims to protect U.S. national security by creating a new rule that bars certain family members of foreign individuals involved in terrorism, hostile governments, or corruption from entering or remaining in the United States. It seeks to prevent these relatives from gaining visas, permanent residency, or other immigration benefits that could pose risks.
Key Provisions
- New Inadmissibility Rule: The bill adds a section to existing immigration law stating that close family members of designated foreign threat actors are not allowed to enter the United States. This applies regardless of when the family relationship began or when the threat actor was identified.
- Broad Family Definitions: Covered family members include spouses (current or former), parents or parents-in-law, children or stepchildren, siblings (including half-siblings), grandparents, grandchildren, nieces, or nephews.
- Covered Threat Actors: These include individuals designated as global terrorists, senior leaders of foreign terrorist groups, high-level officials (deputy minister or higher) from state sponsors of terrorism or countries like Iran, China, Russia, North Korea, or Cuba, and those sanctioned for corruption, theft of public funds, or human rights abuses linked to hostile governments.
- Deportation and Removal: Individuals already in the United States who fall under this rule can be removed. Visa revocations must occur within 30 days of determining ineligibility.
- Limited Relief Options: Affected individuals cannot receive certain forms of discretionary help, such as canceling removal or adjusting their status, except as allowed by this bill.
- Implementation Steps: The Departments of State and Homeland Security must set up enhanced screening using intelligence and sanctions data within 180 days. They must also provide annual reports to Congress on the number of cases, revocations, removals, and any waivers granted.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This bill introduces a mandatory new category of inadmissibility under the Immigration and Nationality Act, expanding beyond current terrorism-related rules.
- It makes family ties a direct basis for exclusion and removal, with retroactive effect on past admissions or pending applications.
- It requires automatic visa revocation and prioritizes removal, reducing flexibility in enforcement.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Departments of State and Homeland Security would need to update screening processes and handle increased enforcement, including more frequent reviews of family connections using existing databases.
- On Citizens and Residents: U.S. citizens or lawful residents with family ties to covered individuals could face challenges in sponsoring relatives for immigration benefits.
- On International Relations: The rules could affect visa processing for nationals from countries designated as adversaries or sponsors of terrorism, potentially leading to diplomatic tensions.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Foreign nationals seeking U.S. visas or residency who have relatives matching the threat actor criteria.
- U.S. government agencies responsible for immigration enforcement and foreign affairs.
- Family members of foreign officials or terrorists, including those already in the United States.
- Congressional committees overseeing immigration and national security.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- The bill modifies core sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act to create stricter, non-discretionary barriers based on family relationships.
- It includes retroactive application, meaning it could impact individuals who entered legally before the law's passage.
- Reporting requirements add oversight mechanisms for Congress on enforcement actions and any exceptions granted.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-14: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2026-05-14: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- No Safe Haven for Terrorist Families Act — issued 2026-05-14 — PDF (8 pages)