According to an unconfirmed report from CBS News citing federal government documents, the Biden administration is considering a new initiative that could potentially offer a pathway to safety and refuge in the United States for some Palestinians fleeing violence in Gaza. The purported proposal outlines granting permanent US residency, and possibly even citizenship, to select Palestinians who have immediate family members that are already US citizens or permanent residents.
While the specifics remain unclear as the plan is still under consideration, this would mark a significant shift from past US policies toward Palestinians. It reflects the Biden administration's stated efforts to address the humanitarian situation unfolding in Gaza.
President Joe Biden has faced significant calls from progressive groups regarding the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Many activists on the far-Left have strongly urged the administration to take more humanitarian measures to assist Palestinians affected by the violence. Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) called the move "reckless."
As Israel appears increasingly likely to escalate its military offensive to Rafah, a city housing millions of Palestinians in Gaza, the potential US plan to allow some Palestinians to seek refuge could provide relief to those facing displacement due to the expanding operation.
Implementing such an initiative would likely require coordination with Egypt to facilitate screening and transit of Palestinians seeking refuge in the US Egypt's willingness to accept large numbers of refugees from Gaza remains uncertain, potentially posing an obstacle. The Biden administration has not officially announced any details about this alleged plan nor provided any timeline for its potential implementation.
