As the Israel-Hamas war nears its seven-month end, Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill announced Wednesday that the Biden administration is considering allowing some refugees from the Gaza Strip into the United States. There was a big fuss.
White House officials are exploring potential avenues to accommodate small numbers of Gazans, including some who fled the Palestinian enclave to Egypt to escape fighting and some who are in the United States with their families. CBS News reported Tuesday evening.
“I have no confidence in Biden’s ability to vet refugees. How do we make sure they’re not Hamas?” Sen. Rick Scott (R-Florida) responded by saying, Instead, we should focus on how to get the hostages home.”
“Let me be clear,” said Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.). “Prohamas lunatics have taken over college campuses. And will Joe Biden’s response be to consider accepting refugees from Gaza?” It’s a complete disgrace. ”
“Biden wants to bring Palestinians to the US.” [sic] We call them “refugees.” Remember – these are the same Palestinians who elected and supported Hamas,” added Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.).
“The left and its media allies have denied Republican warnings that Democrats are planning to import Gaza ‘refugees’ into the United States. Now the truth is out,” said Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.).
“This is reckless and wrong. @POTUS must change course now and prioritize the safety of the American people.”
“President Biden is consistently undermining our national security with reckless decisions like this,” he said. I have no idea what that means,” Sen. Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), a potential Republican vice presidential candidate, wrote on X.
“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.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also slammed the move, suggesting it would not be supported in Florida.
“Bringing people from that part of the world and bringing that blood feud into this country is not in the interest of you or your family. We should not have an influx of people from the Gaza Strip,” the governor said on Wednesday. Stated.
“if [the president] That is not in the interest of the United States. In fact, it will only exacerbate many of the problems we currently face. ”
A White House press secretary would not confirm or deny the report when contacted by the Post Tuesday evening.
“Since the conflict began, the United States has helped more than 1,800 American citizens and their families escape from Gaza, many of whom have come to the United States,” the official said.
“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.”
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre downplayed the CBS report on Wednesday, saying at a regular briefing that there was “nothing to announce at this time.”
Refugee recognition It gives individuals the opportunity to potentially earn a path to U.S. citizenship and permanent residence. It also opens the door to financial aid.
Individuals must pass a background check, meet eligibility requirements and undergo some sort of medical evaluation.
Since October 1, the State Department’s Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) has admitted just 16 Palestinians into the United States. According to data as of March 31st.
