The US State Department confirmed this week that it has the authority to revoke the visas of foreign nationals who express support for Hamas while living in the US.

The announcement said it has “broad authority under the INA [Immigration and Nationality Act] to revoke visas” – contained in a letter issued to Sen. Marco Rubio, who is leading Congressional efforts to allow for the deportation of Hamas supporters.

The State Dept. said “We exercise the authority when there is information or evidence indicating a visa holder may be ineligible for a U.S. visa.”

Hamas became an officially designated foreign terrorist organization in 1997, and current US laws say that not only terrorists themselves but are those who have “persuaded others to endorse or support” a designated terror group are banned from US soil.