Biden administration officials are reportedly considering a plan that could allow the United States to admit small numbers of Palestinians who fled the region during the bloody Israel-Hamas war.
One idea that officials have floated in recent weeks is to use the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program to grant refugee status to people who have fled the Gaza Strip to Egypt. CBS News reportedcited the document.
That effort will likely require cooperation with Egypt. Palestinians with family members in the United States may also be allowed entry, the report said.
“Since the conflict began, the United States has helped more than 1,800 American citizens and their families flee Gaza, many of whom have come to the United States,” a White House spokesperson said when asked about the report. he told the Post at the time.
“We have also been clear and consistent: The United States categorically rejects any action that would result in the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza or the West Bank, or the redrawing of Gaza’s borders,” the spokesperson added. Ta.
U.S. officials are reportedly considering various arrangements to do so, and multiple federal agencies are involved in the plan.
In order to enter the United States, would-be refugees would likely have to pass a test that assesses medical conditions, eligibility and safety concerns.
They will also need to provide evidence that they are fleeing some form of persecution.
That can be difficult for individuals who say they are fleeing persecution from Israel, a key ally of the United States in the region.
Individuals may be able to claim they are fleeing Hamas, which is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States.
Refugee recognition Provides individuals with the ability to obtain U.S. permanent residence, a path to citizenship, and financial assistance.
Such a policy would mark a dramatic shift for the U.S. refugee program, which generally does not allow large numbers of Palestinians to enter the country.
Over the past decade, the United States has accepted more than 400,000 refugees. According to data from the State Department.
This includes 56 Palestinians in fiscal year 2023, before the Israeli-Hamas war began, and at least 16 from October of last year to March 31.
It is unclear how many Gazans the administration is considering admitting to the United States.
Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) called the move “reckless.”
“Hogwash. President Biden is constantly undermining our nation’s security with reckless decisions like this. Who enters this country, whether on our southern border or from war-torn areas controlled by terrorists?” I have no idea.” he tweeted.
“No Hamas sympathizer should be allowed into this country. I will use every resource to ensure this radical Biden policy never sees the light of day.”
President Biden, 81, is under intense pressure from progressives over the Israel-Hamas war, with many far-left activists calling for greater humanitarian action against Palestinians and a tougher stance against Israel.
The war broke out on October 7, 2023, with a surprise attack by Hamas that left around 1,200 Israelis dead.
Since then, Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry claims 34,000 people have died. Palestinians were killed in the war.
Pro-Israel experts and officials have questioned the accuracy of statistics coming out of the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, U.S. immigration and border policy are becoming thorny issues for Biden in the run-up to the November presidential election.
