No Passports for Terrorists and Traffickers Act

This bill would let the State Department deny or take away a U.S. passport from anyone who is charged with or convicted of certain terrorism-related crimes, or who the Secretary of State decides has knowingly helped a group the U.S. has labeled a foreign terrorist organization. “Helping” includes giving money, goods, or services. The Secretary could still issue a limited passport that only lets the person travel back to the United States, and may make exceptions for emergencies or humanitarian reasons .

People who lose or are denied a passport can ask for a hearing within 60 days. If they are later cleared or the government changes its decision, their passport may be reissued. The State Department must report these actions to Congress within 30 days, and the report can be classified or public. The bill says it cannot be used to limit First Amendment rights like free speech or religion, and it includes a standard clause so if one part is struck down, the rest still stands .

• Who is affected: U.S. citizens charged or convicted under federal “material support” laws or determined to have helped a designated foreign terrorist group.
• What changes: Passports can be denied or taken away; a limited “return-only” passport may be issued; emergency/humanitarian exceptions are allowed; there’s a right to a hearing and possible restoration; and Congress must be notified of key actions .
• When: The text provided does not specify a start date.