President Biden on Wednesday ordered an 18-month moratorium on deportations of Palestinians from the United States, citing the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank amid Israel’s military offensive against Hamas. I put it out.
The White House said in a memo that the moratorium on deportations will be implemented through forced departure deferrals.
“In accordance with my constitutional authority to direct the foreign relations of the United States, I have determined that it is in the foreign policy interest of the United States to postpone the removal of Palestinians for 18 months, subject to the conditions and exceptions set forth below. “Biden said in a statement from the White House.
Hamas had built a command tunnel under UNRWA headquarters in Gaza, Israel says
President Biden said Wednesday that he will protect Palestinians in the United States from deportation under a new order. (AP Photo/Damien Dovarganes)
It was not immediately clear how many Palestinians would be eligible for the program. Work permits will also be granted to those who qualify.
Those considered ineligible include those who have voluntarily returned to the Palestinian territories, those who have been convicted of a felony or two or more misdemeanors committed in the United States, those who are the subject of extradition, and those who A person who poses a security risk or whose presence in Palestine could have negative consequences. The impact of foreign policy on the country.
Biden also said that many civilians remain at risk in Gaza following the Oct. 7 terrorist attack by Hamas.
“This is desperately needed,” Abed Ayoub, executive director of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, told The New York Times. “While we see that the situation in Gaza and Palestine has not improved, this is welcome and we are glad that it will be implemented. We look forward to other measures being taken. .”
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators gather in front of the White House in Washington, DC, on November 4, 2023. (Nathan Howard/Bloomberg via Getty Images/File)
The move comes as the Biden administration faces pressure from Democrats and pro-Palestinian groups to take control of Israel and stop providing arms and other military aid to the Jewish state.
Democratic lawmakers are urging Biden to prioritize the safety of Palestinians amid a conflict that has killed thousands and devastated the Gaza Strip.
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The Associated Press reports that more than 100 Democratic lawmakers have asked the White House to grant Palestinians currently in the U.S. a delay in deportation, or a similar option called Temporary Protected Status, to prevent them from being deported to dangerous conditions in Gaza. asked them to exercise their authority. .
“More than 28,000 Palestinians, including thousands of women and children, have been killed in Gaza over the past four months,” Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said Wednesday. “Today’s decision by the administration will protect Palestinians in the United States from being forced back into clearly dangerous and deadly situations.”
