U.S. instructs diplomats to decline the majority of visa applications for individuals carrying Palestinian passports
The United States State Department has implemented a new policy that refuses most non-immigrant visas for Palestinians from the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and Palestinian passport holders living abroad. The policy, which was first reported by the New York Times, was announced on Friday and is in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and potential recognition of a Palestinian state by several countries.
The policy, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on August 18, applies to visa applicants for diplomatic or official type visas and those engaging in diplomatic and official travel purposes with Palestinian Authority passports. It also covers a wide variety of non-immigrant visas, including those for students, professors, tourists, businesspeople, and those seeking medical treatment.
However, the policy does not apply to Palestinians applying for immigrant visas or those using a different passport for non-immigrant visas. The State Department is enforcing these restrictions to ensure applicants undergo necessary vetting and screening protocols.
The specific individual or authority who issued the instruction on August 18 to US embassies and consulates to deny all non-immigrant visas for Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza Strip, as well as Palestinians with Palestinian passports from abroad, is not identified in the available search results.
The State Department spokesperson states that every visa decision is a national security decision. The Trump administration claims these actions are in compliance with U.S. law and national security.
On August 16, the State Department suspended all visitor visas for individuals from Gaza. The sweeping refusal policy is among a series of actions taken by the Trump administration to block Palestinians from coming to the United States.
It is important to note that the United States does not recognize the Palestinian Authority as a 'foreign government'. The refusal policy does not specify a duration or a possibility of reconsideration.
On Friday, the State Department also announced it was revoking and denying visas for members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Palestinian Authority (PA), including PA President Mahmoud Abbas. The restrictions on Palestinian visas are a significant development in the complex and ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.
