U.S. halts visas for Palestinians as allies push for statehood recognition
By isabelle // 2025-09-02
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  • Trump administration suspends nearly all U.S. visas for Palestinian passport holders under the guise of national security.
  • The ban includes student, medical, family, and business visas, leaving Palestinians stranded without access to critical care or education.
  • Legal loopholes allow indefinite delays or denials, effectively creating a de facto ban on Palestinian travel to the U.S.
  • The move aligns with broader U.S. support for Israel’s war in Gaza and coincides with global efforts to recognize Palestinian statehood.
  • Humanitarian trips for wounded Palestinian children and other critical travel are now at risk, deepening an already dire crisis.
The news that the Trump administration has suspended nearly all visa approvals for Palestinian passport holders may not be particularly surprising, but it is deeply troubling. This isn’t just about national security; it’s about cutting off lifelines for people who need medical care, education, and family reunification. And it’s happening at a time when the U.S. is doubling down on its unconditional support for Israel’s war in Gaza. The State Department confirmed the policy in an August 18 cable sent to U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, according to multiple reports. The suspension applies to student, business, family, and medical visas, effectively slamming the door on Palestinians seeking to travel to the U.S. for critical needs. The only exceptions? Dual citizens with other passports and those who already hold valid visas. This move expands earlier restrictions, including a July decision to block visas for Palestinian Authority (PA) and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) officials. The State Department justified that action by accusing the PA and PLO of "fueling violence" and undermining peace efforts. Now, the net has widened to include ordinary Palestinians—students, patients, and families—who have done nothing wrong.

A blanket ban disguised as bureaucracy

The administration is using a legal loophole, Section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, to delay or deny visas under the guise of needing "further review." Former State Department spokeswoman Hala Rharrit, who resigned in protest over U.S. policy on Gaza, called it an "open-ended refusal." In other words, it’s a de facto ban. Kerry Doyle, a former lead attorney for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, questioned the transparency of the decision. "If it’s a true ban, then it’s concerning to me in that they should be transparent about it," she said. "Are there true national security concerns? Or is it politically based to support the position of Israel and/or to avoid uncomfortable issues being raised when folks get here if they speak out about the issues over the war?" The timing is no coincidence. Several U.S. allies—including France, Canada, and Britain—have announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming U.N. General Assembly. The Trump administration has made it clear it will not tolerate any move that challenges Israel’s position, even if it means punishing innocent civilians.

Humanitarian consequences ignored

The human cost of this policy is staggering. Last year, humanitarian groups like Heal Palestine brought Palestinian children, many of them amputees from Israeli airstrikes, to the U.S. for medical treatment. Now, those lifesaving trips are in jeopardy. Lafi Adeeb, mayor of the West Bank village Turmus Ayya, where many Palestinian-Americans have roots, expressed his frustration: "It feels like Palestinians are always treated in an unjust way." The State Department’s justification—that this is about "national security"—rings hollow when you consider the broader context. The U.S. has long been Israel’s most vocal supporter, even as international criticism of its military campaign in Gaza grows. More than 63,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, 2023, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Yet instead of pushing for accountability, the U.S. is tightening the screws on Palestinian civilians. This isn’t the first time the Trump administration has targeted Palestinians. Earlier this month, it revoked visas for about 80 Palestinian officials, including PA President Mahmoud Abbas, preventing them from attending the U.N. General Assembly. The State Department claimed this was to hold the PA and PLO "accountable for not complying with their commitments." Abbas’ office called the decision a violation of the U.N. headquarters agreement, which generally requires the U.S. to allow access for foreign diplomats. The administration has also cracked down on pro-Palestinian activism within the U.S., linking student protesters to "foreign influence" and revoking visas for international students involved in demonstrations. The message is clear: dissent will not be tolerated, and neither will solidarity with Palestine. The U.S. claims this is about security, but the real motivation appears to be political. By isolating Palestinians both abroad and within the U.S., the administration is trying to ensure there will be no challenge to Israel’s narrative, no space for Palestinian voices, and no accountability for the devastation in Gaza. Sources for this article include: YourNews.com NYTimes.com Reuters.com BBC.com
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