House Republicans are considering a new legislation that would limit the ability of Palestinians to obtain visas and enter the U.S. This proposal comes amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, a Palestinian terrorist organization.
Reps. Tom Tiffany of Wisconsin and Andy Ogles of Tennessee have introduced the Guaranteeing Aggressors Zero Admission Act, also known as the GAZA Act. Under this bill, individuals with passports issued by the Palestinian Authority would not be eligible for visas, parole, or admission into the U.S.
According to Mr. Tiffany, the purpose of the GAZA Act is to protect America’s national security by preventing the unvetted entry of Palestinians into American communities, similar to what he claims happened with Afghan refugees brought in by President Biden under the parole and visa system.
The Biden administration allowed over 76,000 Afghan refugees to stay in the U.S. after they fled the Taliban’s control during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. These refugees were granted parole, which allows them to live and work in the U.S. with protection from deportation.
The GAZA Act aims to stop the Biden administration from using the Department of Homeland Security’s parole mechanism to allow Palestinians to settle in the U.S., similar to what was done with Afghan refugees.
Mr. Ogles emphasized the importance of ensuring national security during a time when terrorism is prevalent and encouraged. According to him, it is crucial to do everything possible to protect the nation.
This Republican legislation comes as the first week of fighting between Israel and Hamas comes to an end. Hamas initiated a surprise attack against Israel, leading to Israel declaring war against them. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 1,300 Israelis and at least 27 Americans.
In response, the Israeli Defense Force has been launching airstrikes and shelling the densely populated Gaza Strip. On Friday, Israel conducted its first ground raid into Gaza after issuing an evacuation notice to 1.1 million people in northern Gaza. Palestinian officials have reported over 2,000 Palestinian deaths since the beginning of the fighting.
Overall, the proposed legislation aims to restrict Palestinian immigration to the U.S. during the Israel-Hamas conflict. The bill, known as the GAZA Act, seeks to prevent the unvetted entry of Palestinians into American communities, similar to what occurred with Afghan refugees. This comes amidst the ongoing conflict, which has resulted in numerous casualties on both sides.
Keywords: Republicans, legislation, Palestinians, immigration, U.S., Israel-Hamas conflict, GAZA Act
