GOP House maverick leads ban on Palestinian immigrants for safety reasons.
In a noteworthy move, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., has introduced legislation known as the “Guarding American Zones Against Palestinian Immigration Act” (GAZA Act). This bill aims to impose a two-year moratorium on immigration from the Palestinian Authority to the United States, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety of Americans.
Under the GAZA Act, Palestinian Authority passport holders would be barred from obtaining visas or other necessary documents to enter the U.S. This proposed legislation has gained support from Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill., and Rep. Eli Crane, R-Ariz., further solidifying the initiative.
Following the recent Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on Oct. 7, there has been a resurgence of discussions regarding the acceptance of Palestinians as part of the U.S. refugee resettlement commitments. Rep. Gaetz highlighted the fact that countries in the region typically do not accept Palestinian refugees, underlining existing national security concerns concerning the crisis at the southern border.
Expressing his stance, Gaetz explained, “If Palestinian refugees are considered too risky for our allies in the region, then surely they pose a similar threat to the United States. The Biden administration’s border policies have only exacerbated national security concerns within our country.”
Amidst calls from presidential candidates and GOP lawmakers to halt the acceptance of refugees from Gaza, former President Trump notably vowed last year that “we aren’t bringing anyone in from Gaza.” This sentiment underscores the growing sentiments within the political landscape regarding the acceptance of Palestinian nationals.
Despite the U.S. accepting 56 Palestinian refugees in fiscal year 2023 out of over 60,000 resettled refugees, Gaetz’s proposed bill seeks to go a step further by blocking Palestinian nationals from entering through any visa program or at the border.
Recent discussions have indicated the possibility of accepting Palestinians from Gaza who have immediate family ties to U.S. citizens or residents. One proposal involves utilizing the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program to facilitate the entry of Palestinians with connections to the U.S. who have managed to escape Gaza and seek refuge in neighboring Egypt.
As political debates surrounding the acceptance of Palestinian refugees continue to intensify, the GAZA Act stands as a key proposal in reshaping immigration policies, with a strong emphasis on prioritizing the safety and security of the American populace above all else.
