AUSTIN, Texas - U.S. Sen. John Cornyn introduced legislation Thursday that would bar immigrants who support or advocate for Sharia law from entering or remaining in the United States, issuing the proposal just days before early voting begins in Texas' Republican Senate runoff.
The news release from Cornyn's office argues the measure is necessary to protect constitutional freedoms and prevent what the senator described as "the spread of anti-American ideology." What we know: Cornyn's Ban Outsiders Openly Touting (BOOT) Sharia Law Act would deny immigration benefits, including asylum and green cards, to noncitizens who endorse "the imposition of Sharia Law" or support terrorist groups and anti-American activities.
According to Cornyn's office, the legislation would expand the Department of Homeland Security's authority to deny or revoke immigration benefits for immigrants who support terrorism, advocate for terrorist organizations or oppose the U.S. form of government.