The U.S. State Department has announced it is temporarily halting visitor visas for people from Gaza while it reviews how some recent medical-humanitarian visas were issued.
In a statement on Saturday, officials said only “a small number” of these temporary medical visas were granted in recent days, though they did not specify exactly how many. According to government data, the U.S. has issued more than 3,800 B1/B2 visitor visas to people holding Palestinian Authority travel documents this year—including 640 just in May. These visas often allow foreigners to travel to the U.S. for medical care.
The suspension comes after far-right activist Laura Loomer claimed on social media that Palestinian “refugees” had entered the U.S. recently. Her post triggered backlash among some Republican lawmakers, with Rep. Chip Roy of Texas calling for answers and Rep. Randy Fine of Florida labeling it a “national security risk.”
President Donald Trump’s administration had already tightened visa rules earlier this year. In April, it ordered enhanced social media screening for anyone who has been in Gaza since 2007, including aid workers and diplomats. If posts raise security concerns, applications can be flagged for deeper investigation. Then in June, Trump expanded his travel ban to include citizens from a dozen countries, citing terrorism and security risks.
The U.S. is not alone in rethinking its visa process for Gazans. France recently suspended evacuations of Palestinians from Gaza after a student who had been granted entry was found to have shared antisemitic posts online. French officials say they are now reviewing all applications more carefully.
The pause in U.S. visas is already drawing attention at home. In Providence, Rhode Island, demonstrators rallied in support of Dr. Rasha Alawieh, a kidney specialist and Brown University professor who was denied re-entry to the U.S. despite holding an H1-B visa. Supporters say her case shows how sweeping visa restrictions can impact individuals with no connection to security risks. Photo by Zboralski, Wikimedia commons.