US temporarily stops most visa approvals for Palestinians - NYT - Jerusalem Post Staff

 

by Jerusalem Post Staff

New US measures would prevent Palestinians from the West Bank, as well as Palestinians in the diaspora, from entering the US on several non-immigrant visas.

 

A boy waves a Palestinian flag during a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Lafayette Square near the White House in Washington, December 2, 2023; illustrative.

(photo credit: REUTERS/BONNIE CASH)

 

The US has suspended approval on most visitor visas for Palestinian passport holders, the New York Times reported on Sunday evening, citing US officials.

Officials interviewed by NYT noted that the measures were in effect on a temporary basis. 

The measures would prevent Palestinians from the West Bank, as well as Palestinians in the diaspora, from entering the US on several non-immigrant visas, NYT added, citing four US officials who were familiar with an internal State Department memo.

The suspensions affect those seeking visas for medical treatment, university studies, visits to loved ones, and business travel, NYT reported.

The measures cover anyone who only  holds a Palestinian passport, and do not apply to Palestinians with dual citizenship or those who have obtained visas.

People who arrived in Chicago from Gaza in July through an organization known as Heal Palestine, pray on the day of a protest in support of Palestinians in Gaza, in Chicago, Illinois, US, August 21, 2024 (credit: REUTERS/SETH HERALD)

The State Department confirmed to NYT that it had told diplomats to enforce the restrictions.

The department also said that it was taking “concrete steps in compliance with US law and our national security in regards to announced visa restrictions” for Palestinians.

The State Department told consular officials to enact Section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 to refuse visas to anyone using a Palestinian passport in their application, at least on a temporary basis, NYT noted.

US denies PA officials entrance to US for UNGA

This comes after the State Department announced on Friday that it would not allow Palestinian Authority officials to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York next month.

“The Trump administration has been clear: it is in our national security interests to hold the PLO and PA accountable for not complying with their commitments, and for undermining the prospects for peace,” the State Department noted in a release.

The PA denied the accusations and said that the decision  “stands in clear contradiction to international law and the UN Headquarters Agreement.”

Amichai Stein contributed to this report.

Jerusalem Post Staff

Source: https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-865903

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