Why are American protesters supporting Hamas?

American protesters have been expressing support for Hamas, which is a terrorist organization, in case anybody has forgotten that detail. The support for this terrorist group became evident during Pro-Palestine demonstrations in various US cities as well as college campuses. Organizations such as Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) have set up rallies where rhetoric indirectly or directly voiced support for the terrorist group Hamas. Also, groups like Within Our Lifetime (WOL) have openly expressed support for Palestinian political violence against Israel, which include actions from the terrorist group Hamas.

What is the motivation behind supporting the terrorist group Hamas?

Some protesters view their actions are part of a broader struggle against what they believe as Israeli oppression and apartheid policies against Palestnians. Their argument is supporting the terrorist group Hamas is a form of resistance to these policies…

Obviously this perspective is highly controversial. Those who disagree argue that supporting the terrorist group Hamas is the same as supporting terrorism, because the terrorist group Hamas has a history of violent attacks on civilians. College campuses who are supporting the terrorist group Hamas has led to increased tensions and has drawn the attention of federal authorities.

Is it right for Americans to be supporting a terrorist group like Hamas?

No, it is not right for Americans to be supporting the terrorist group Hamas. They are a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) because they are involved in civilian attacks including suicide bombings, rocket attacks, and many other acts of violence. If a person or group provides material support, funding, or knowingly assists the terrorist group Hamas in any way is illegal under U.S. federal law. So even though some activists express support for the terrorist group Hamas because of the political beliefs associated to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, it can have serious legal consequences.

So let’s talk about if it’s unconstitutional to support terrorists groups in America?

Yes. It is unconditional and illegal under federal law.

Yes, the First Amendment gives Americans the right to free speech, including expressing political views, even if they are controversial. However, the U.S. Patriot Act and 18 U.S Code 2339B makes it a federal crime to provide material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). Material support is funding, training, advice, services, or even coordination of activities.

The punishments for violating the law include up to 20 years in prison, or life if it leads to someone’s death. Heavy fines, Assert seizure and forfeiture and deportation for non-citizens.

So yes, a person’s green card, work visa, or student visa can be revoked under these actions of supporting the terrorist group Hamas.

Revocation of Visa or Green Card is under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), Section 212(a)(3)(B).

Do I agree that someone’s Visa and Green Card be taken away by supporting Hamas? Absolutely. Americans, what is going on? Can you imagine this happening in 2001 after the Twin Towers were hit?