Feb 12, 2025

Bill targets 'terrorist sympathizers' on Iowa campuses who are visa holders

Posted Feb 12, 2025 5:53 PM

(Radio Iowa) - A subcommittee in the Iowa House has advanced a bill called the "Combating Terrorist Sympathizers Act."

It calls for suspending, expelling or firing students and employees at Iowa colleges and universities who are here on a student or work visa and express support for terrorist activities or a terrorist organization. They'd likely have to leave the country.

Representative John Wills, a Republican from Spirit Lake, says it's a response to campus protests against Israel. Last month President Trump said he would cancel visas and deport foreign students who are Hamas sympathizers.