Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) introduced legislation on Wednesday that would criminalize U.S. visa overstays in response to the firebombing attack in Boulder, Colo.

The alleged perpetrator, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, of Egypt, wounded 15 demonstrators marching for the release of hostages from Gaza on Sunday while he shouted “Free Palestine.” He, his wife and five children were in the country illegally after their immigration documents expired, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

“The Boulder terrorist and 9/11 hijackers didn’t sneak in; they overstayed visas,” Banks stated. “That’s just as serious and just as dangerous. My bill cracks down on visa overstays with criminal penalties to stop threats before they happen.”

Bank’s “Visa Overstay Penalties Act” would classify a vis

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