What Happened?
- The Biden administration is considering admitting certain Palestinians from Gaza as refugees, potentially using the United States Refugee Admissions Program, with cooperation from Egypt. (The Hill, New York Post, Townhall, Breitbart, Washington Examiner, CBS News, Fox News)
- The potential refugees could be processed under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, and eligible Palestinians could receive permanent residency, benefits, and a path to citizenship. (Townhall, Breitbart, Washington Examiner, CBS News, Fox News)
- The U.S. has historically not resettled Palestinians in large numbers through the refugee program since its inception in 1980. (Breitbart, Washington Examiner, The Hill, New York Post)
- Palestinians must have family ties to American citizens or permanent residents to qualify for resettlement in the U.S., and stringent qualifications, including security screenings, must be met. (Washington Examiner)
- The Biden administration has helped over 1,800 American citizens and their families leave Gaza since the war began, and is pressing to get more aid to civilians in Gaza. (The Hill)
- Coordination with Egypt would be necessary, as Egypt has so far refused to welcome large numbers of people from Gaza. (CBS News, Fox News)
- The proposal marks a shift in the U.S.’ longstanding refugee program related to Palestinians, as the U.S. continues to be the largest contributor of humanitarian aid to Gaza. (The Hill)
Sources:
