# Plain Language Summary: Terrorist Deportation Act of 2023

This bill makes it much harder for people on the government's terrorist screening database to stay in the United States. Currently, being on this database doesn't automatically make someone deportable—immigration judges have some flexibility in deciding what happens. This bill removes that flexibility by making anyone on the terrorist screening database automatically inadmissible (unable to enter or stay in the country), with very few exceptions. The only people protected are those who already have permanent resident status (green card holders), though even they could potentially lose that status under certain circumstances.

The bill also creates a fast-track removal process for people on the terrorist screening database who aren't permanent residents. Instead of going through the normal immigration court system where they get a full hearing, these individuals would face expedited proceedings where the government can quickly determine they're deportable and issue removal orders. While people would still have some basic rights—like being told what they're accused of and having a chance to respond—they wouldn't be eligible for most forms of relief or protection that immigration law normally allows, such as asylum or protection under international torture conventions. The government would have 14 days to execute the removal order unless the person waives that waiting period.

There's one narrow exception: the Secretary of Homeland Security could potentially allow someone on the terrorist screening database to enter temporarily if four top officials (the Secretary of Homeland Security, Attorney General, FBI Director, and Director of National Intelligence) all unanimously agree it's in the national security interest. This would require agreement from all four agencies, making it an extremely high bar to clear.

The bill applies to anyone added to the terrorist screening database after it becomes law, and it would take effect immediately upon passage.

Terrorist Deportation Act of 2023

Duncan, Jeff

Terrorist Deportation Act of 2023 This bill establishes that non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) identified in the terrorist screening database, except for lawful permanent residents, shall be deportable and inadmissible into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may temporarily waive the inadmissibility of such an individual if it is in the national security interests of the United States. DHS shall grant such a waiver only with the unanimous concurrence of the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and the Department of State. An individual identified in the terrorist screening database shall be ineligible for various immigration benefits, including asylum, withholding or cancellation of removal, voluntary departure, or adjustment of status. DHS shall determine on an expedited basis whether to remove an individual identified in the terrorist screening database, if the individual has not received a waiver and does not have lawful permanent residence status. The individual shall be entitled to various protections, including the right to be represented by counsel (at no cost to the government) and judicial review.