The Biden administration is considering bringing certain Palestinians to the U.S. as refugees, as revealed by internal government documents obtained by CBS News. These discussions involve resettling Palestinians from Gaza who have immediate family members in the U.S. One proposal suggests using the United States Refugee Admissions Program to welcome Palestinians with U.S. ties who have escaped Gaza and entered Egypt. These refugees would be required to pass eligibility, medical, and security screenings to qualify for permanent residency, resettlement benefits, and a path to American citizenship.
While the eligible population is expected to be small, the plans under consideration could provide a lifeline to Palestinians fleeing the Israel-Hamas war, which has resulted in thousands of casualties and displaced civilians in Gaza. The U.S. has already assisted American citizens and their families in leaving Gaza and has helped vulnerable individuals receive medical care in nearby hospitals. The White House spokesperson emphasized that the U.S. rejects forced relocations of Palestinians and advocates for a sustainable ceasefire and a two-state solution to the conflict. The Israeli government launched an offensive against Gaza following attacks by Hamas, resulting in civilian casualties and abductions.
The proposals to resettle certain Palestinians as refugees signify a departure from past U.S. refugee policy, which has resettled a small number of Palestinians since the 1980s. Admitting Palestinians as refugees could present political challenges for the Biden administration, especially concerning the Israel-Hamas conflict. While Democrats may support the move, Republicans may criticize it, citing concerns about immigration and national security. To qualify as a refugee, applicants must demonstrate persecution based on factors like nationality or political views, which could differ based on who they perceive as their persecutors.
The Biden administration has significantly increased refugee resettlement in recent years, setting a goal of admitting up to 125,000 refugees in fiscal year 2024. This marks a shift from the record lows in refugee admissions during the Trump administration. The discussions around resettling Palestinian refugees come at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East and internal political divisions in the U.S. over foreign policy decisions. The outcome of these deliberations could have far-reaching implications for U.S. relations with Israel and its approach to refugee resettlement.
