BOOT Sharia Law Act

Key Points

• The bill would make it impossible for immigrants to prove "good moral character" (a requirement for citizenship) if they have adhered to Sharia law in ways that would violate others' constitutional rights, or if they have participated in protests supporting groups designated as state sponsors of terrorism or that oppose the U.S. Constitution.
• Refugees and asylum seekers would face new bars to protection. Anyone who used force, coercion, violence, or terror to enforce Islamic values, enforce conversions to Islam, achieve an Islamist political goal, or establish Islam as a state religion would be excluded from the definition of "refugee" entirely.
• Green card holders who arrived as refugees or asylees could be blocked from adjusting to permanent resident status if the government has reasonable grounds to believe they adhered to Sharia law in ways violating others' rights or used force to advance Islamist goals after admission.
• The bill would let the government rescind (take back) lawful permanent resident status at any point during a 10-year window if the person participated in protests or demonstrations supporting groups that oppose the U.S. Constitution or government, or that are linked to terrorism.
• The bill was introduced by Sen. Cornyn and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. It would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act in multiple sections covering refugees, asylum, good moral character, and status adjustment.