In response to the attempted bombing of Times Square, by a recently minted, Pakistani born, American citizen who received bomb making training apparently from the Pakistan Taliban, members of the U.S. House and Senate have proposed legislation that would "revoke American citizenship from people suspected of allying themselves with terrorists."
Senators Lieberman and Brown call theirs the Terrorist Expatriation Act. Jason Altmire and Charlie Dent are introducing the same bill in the House.
Questions are now being raised about the constitutionality of this legislation, and whether it is a good idea.
- PrawfsBlawg argues that it is unconstitutional. For one thing, the decision is not based on a conviction, but rather an accusation.
- Reason Magazine agrees. The law is vague and overbroad.
In all likelihood, the law has been introduced so that Congress appears to be on the ball and responsive to a threat. Members are well aware of the institution's low approval ratings and wants to be seen as being proactive. No word yet on whether this thing is likely to pass.
