U.S. suspends visa approvals for nearly all holders of Palestinian passports - NYT

U.S. suspends visa approvals for nearly all holders of Palestinian passports - NYT

The Trump administration has enacted a sweeping suspension of approvals of almost all types of visitor visas for Palestinian passport holders, according to American officials [1]. This move extends beyond the recent restrictions announced on visitor visas for Palestinians from Gaza and includes a broader range of nonimmigrant visas, such as those for medical treatment, university studies, visits to friends or relatives, and business travel.

The new policy, outlined in an Aug. 18 cable sent by State Department headquarters to all U.S. embassies and consulates, affects Palestinians from the Israeli-occupied West Bank and the Palestinian diaspora. The restrictions follow declarations by several U.S. allies that they plan to recognize a Palestinian state in the coming weeks, a stance that Israel has condemned.

The United States has been Israel’s staunchest supporter throughout its nearly two-year-old war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The visa curbs come as international criticism of the Israeli military campaign has grown, highlighting the humanitarian suffering it has caused.

The restrictions also align the Trump administration with Israel’s right-wing government, which adamantly opposes the creation of a Palestinian state. The State Department has cited national security interests as the reason for the visa suspensions, claiming that the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Palestinian Authority (PA) have not complied with their commitments and undermined peace prospects.

The new measures have been condemned by pro-Palestinian groups, who argue that they will exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the region. The State Department has maintained that the restrictions are a necessary step to hold the PLO and PA accountable.

References:
[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/31/world/middleeast/us-palestinian-visa-suspensions.html
[2] https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/31/palestine-passport-visa-approval-suspension