rki.news
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31 – The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has broadened its visa restrictions on Palestinians, suspending approvals for almost all categories of non-immigrant visitor visas, The New York Times reported Sunday.
According to the report, the suspension now applies to applications for medical treatment, university study, business travel, and visits to relatives or friends. The measure was detailed in an Aug. 18 cable sent by the State Department to U.S. embassies and consulates, representing a significant expansion of earlier rules that targeted only residents of Gaza. Under the new policy, Palestinians in the West Bank as well as members of the wider diaspora are also affected.
The decision follows earlier steps this month in which Washington revoked visas of Palestine Liberation Organization and Palestinian Authority officials, preventing them from traveling to New York for the upcoming United Nations General Assembly.
A State Department spokesperson said the expanded restrictions were imposed on national security grounds, accusing Palestinian leaders of failing to renounce terrorism.
The move is expected to further strain already fragile U.S.-Palestinian relations, while drawing criticism from human rights groups who argue that ordinary civilians seeking education, medical care, or family reunification are being unfairly targeted.