By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A bill introduced in the House of Representatives has raised concerns among free speech advocates. The legislation could potentially grant the Secretary of State the authority to revoke U.S. passports without due process, based on an individual’s perceived support for designated foreign terrorist organizations. Critics argue this would allow the Secretary of State to act as judge, jury, and executioner, especially considering previous instances of visa revocations based on political views. The bill’s language mirrors provisions from previous legislative attempts, raising further concerns about the potential for thought policing and the targeting of protected speech.
Read the original article here
New Bill Would Allow Rubio to Strip US Citizens’ Passports Over Political Speech: It’s hard not to feel a chill when you hear about potential changes that could fundamentally alter our freedoms. The idea that political speech could lead to the revocation of a U.S. passport, effectively barring someone from leaving the country, is a deeply unsettling thought, a giant red flag indeed. It feels like a direct assault on the First Amendment, the cornerstone of our rights, guaranteeing freedom of speech, the press, religion, the right to assemble and to petition the government.
This possibility raises serious questions about government overreach. How can it be considered reasonable for the government to potentially punish political expression by restricting the right to travel? If someone voices criticism of the government, is the response really to trap them within the borders they criticize? Shouldn’t we be free to leave if we don’t like things, not be kept here against our will? It’s like the phrase, “If you don’t like it here, leave” takes on a twisted, ironic meaning. Instead of holding the door open for those who disagree, this bill seems to slam it shut.
The timing of this bill is especially concerning. When combined with talk of confiscating wealth and assets, it creates a sense of unease. It’s as if the government is actively working to suppress dissent, which is, of course, not a hallmark of a free society. This is the kind of thing that often comes up when discussing what it looks like when a democracy begins to deteriorate.
The potential consequences of this bill are far-reaching. Imagine a scenario where expressing certain political views, even those protected by the First Amendment, could lead to your passport being revoked. Could this mean social media is monitored and that traveling abroad could become a risky venture? This chilling effect on free speech is precisely the kind of thing the First Amendment was designed to protect us from.
The language within the bill is very broad, creating a potential for abuse. The bill grants the Secretary of State the power to deny passports to people who have been convicted of material support for terrorism, or even just charged with a crime. Furthermore, the Secretary can also deny passports to anyone they determine “has knowingly aided, assisted, abetted, or otherwise provided material support to an organization the Secretary has designated as a foreign terrorist organization.” This is where the potential for political targeting becomes even more alarming.
The implications for American citizens are immense. This seems to signal a move toward a more authoritarian system, which restricts the rights of political dissidents. It will target people who might not share the same political viewpoints, as is the history of similar measures across the world. It would be a severe blow to our fundamental freedoms, particularly the right to free speech and the right to travel.
This bill certainly raises questions about the direction of the country. People are starting to ask, do we still have First Amendment rights? Is this the beginning of a slow erosion of freedoms, as some have warned? Many are understandably concerned about the future, and the idea of losing the right to travel freely, a right many take for granted, is a frightening prospect.
It’s understandable that some people feel a sense of betrayal. This is from a political party that claims to love freedom and the Constitution. It’s about time to ask, what’s the goal here, since passports only serve to enter and exit the country? This is very concerning, as is the question of if this is an attempt to make sure people never go on vacation abroad. This sounds more like a means to trap people within the country and silence voices of descent.
And, of course, it’s hard not to see echoes of history in this. Is this the path of gradual erosion, where freedoms are slowly chipped away until they’re gone? It’s as if the warnings of rising fascism are manifesting before our eyes. It evokes a sense of desperation and, for some, the need to act. It’s like that German feeling from 1935-36 all over again. The Constitution is dead, and fascism is here.
The impact of this bill could be profound, altering the landscape of American freedoms. It’s a wake-up call, a challenge to those who believe in the First Amendment and the rights of free people. It should lead to serious questions about the direction our country is heading in and the importance of protecting the freedoms we hold dear. This type of measure, which is intended to suppress those who do not agree with the current administration, should concern all Americans.