Congressman Riley M. Moore Introduces DEPORT Act to Protect Americans from Terrorist Threats

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Riley M. Moore (R-WV) introduced the Denaturalization and Expulsion of Persons Who Orchestrate Radical Terrorism (DEPORT) Act, legislation that will strengthen the federal government's ability to revoke citizenship and deport naturalized individuals who commit or support acts of terrorism against the United States.

The legislation comes in response to a recent attack at Old Dominion University, where Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Sierra Leone, opened fire in an ROTC classroom. The attack left two students injured and resulted in the death of Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah, a decorated Army helicopter pilot with more than 600 combat hours fighting terrorists overseas. Jalloh committed the attack after serving time in federal prison for offering material support to ISIS.

Congressman Moore emphasized that the attack is part of a broader and troubling pattern. In March alone, two additional terrorist incidents were carried out by naturalized citizens, including a shooting at a beer garden in Austin and a vehicle attack targeting a synagogue in Michigan.

The DEPORT Act includes three key provisions:

- Requires all new applicants for U.S. citizenship to swear under oath that they have no intent to commit acts of terrorism against the United States.

- Extends the timeframe in which terrorism can be considered prima facie evidence of citizenship fraud from five to ten years.

- Establishes a new legal pathway to denaturalize individuals involved in lone-wolf terrorist attacks.

Congressman Moore reaffirmed his commitment to advancing policies that prioritize the safety and security of the American people.

"Naturalization is a solemn pledge of total allegiance to the United States. Terrorism is a treasonous repudiation of that pledge. The DEPORT Act ensures that individuals who exploit America's generosity by carrying out or supporting terrorism can no longer hide behind the citizenship we gave them. If a foreigner that we have welcomed into America takes up arms against our country or aids those who do, they must go, stated Congressman Riley Moore.

Joining Congressman Riley Moore on this Act are the following members of Congress: Representatives Brandon Gill (TX-26), Randy Fine (FL-06), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Nancy Mace (SC-01), Andy Ogles (TN-05), Barry Moore (AL-01), Eli Crane (AZ-02), and Buddy Carter (GA-01).

"It's plain and simple-if you support America's enemies, you shouldn't live in our country. We have no room for terrorist sympathizers in our great nation. I am proud to cosponsor Rep. Riley Moore's DEPORT Act., said Congressman Brandon Gill (TX-26).

"The DEPORT Act is common-sense legislation. There is nothing radical about denaturalizing and deporting convicted terrorists. If you pledge allegiance to a terrorist organization, you will be deported. We must prioritize the safety of American citizens and allow zero room for leniency when it comes to any level of affiliation with terrorism, stated Congressman Randy Fine (FL-06).

"I'm proud to stand with Congressman Moore and my colleagues in support of the DEPORT Act. Naturalized citizens who commit acts of terror have no place in the United States of America. As someone who engaged in radical Islamic terrorism in combat, I understand the threat facing our country. I flew 55 combat air missions over Baghdad to stop it. In the wake of the recent attack in Austin, Texans deserve leaders who will stand up and fight for their safety, not make excuses. This legislation is common sense. It should be a no-brainer, said Congressman Wesley Hunt (TX-38).

"Time and again, we've seen the devastating consequences of letting dangerous individuals exploit the privileges of American citizenship," said Congressman Barry Moore (AL-01). "If you come to this country, take the oath, and then turn around and support or commit acts of terror, you have broken that covenant with the American people, and you should lose the right to stay here. I want to thank Congressman Riley Moore for introducing the DEPORT Act and taking a strong stand to close these dangerous loopholes. I'm proud to support this effort to protect our communities and uphold the rule of law."

"Over recent years, we've seen an alarming increase in naturalized immigrants engaging in or abetting terrorism. As Americans, we should have the full ability to denaturalize and remove those who wish to do harm to our nation. The DEPORT Act of 2026 makes this a reality by strengthening our naturalization process, revoking the citizenship of those tied to terrorism, and requiring DHS to remove these offenders once their naturalized status is rescinded. I'm grateful to Rep. Riley Moore for his leadership, and I'm honored to be an original cosponsor of this sensible bill, stated Congressman Eli Crane (AZ-02).

"Army Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, a University of Georgia alumnus, was killed at Old Dominion University by an individual previously arrested for supplying material support to ISIS. It's unfathomable that naturalized aliens with direct ties to Foreign Terrorist Organizations still remain in the United States. This terrorist took the life of an American hero," said Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01). "I'm proud to join Congressman Moore in supporting the DEPORT Act because we owe it to Lt. Col. Shah to ensure this never happens again.

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