The US State Department has directed diplomatic posts worldwide to refuse most visa applications from Palestinian passport holders, regardless of whether applicants reside in the West Bank, Gaza Strip or other countries, according to an internal diplomatic cable obtained by CNN. This comes days after the US it would not allow the Palestinian Authority to send diplomats – including PA President Mahmoud Abbas – to attend the 74th Session of the General Assembly in September, where world leaders address the world in the General Debate.
The directive, issued August 18 and signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, instructed all US embassies and consulates to deny nonimmigrant visas to "all otherwise eligible Palestinian Authority passport holders" using those documents for visa applications, CNN reported. The posts received orders to implement the policy "effective immediately."
Nonimmigrant visa categories encompass a broad spectrum of travelers, including students, academic professionals, tourists, business visitors and individuals seeking medical treatment in the United States, according to CNN.
The comprehensive refusal directive, initially reported by The New York Times, represents one of several measures implemented by the Trump administration to prevent Palestinians from entering American territory. State Department officials confirmed the policy stems from national security considerations and enhanced vetting requirements.
The administration previously announced restrictions targeting Gaza residents specifically. State Department officials disclosed August 16 that "all visitor visas for individuals from Gaza" faced suspension pending comprehensive review. The agency subsequently announced Friday it was canceling and denying visas for Palestine Liberation Organization and Palestinian Authority members, including Abbas, before the United Nations General Assembly session.
The visa restrictions emerge as numerous nations consider recognizing Palestinian statehood while conflict continues in Gaza between Israel and Hamas forces.
State Department officials explained the policy aims "to ensure that such applications have undergone necessary vetting and screening protocols to ensure the applicant's identity and eligibility for a visa under US law," according to the diplomatic cable cited by CNN.
"The Trump administration is taking concrete steps in compliance with US law and our national security in regards to announced visa restrictions and revocations for PA passport holders," a State Department spokesperson stated. "Every visa decision is a national security decision, and the State Department is vetting and adjudicating visa decisions for PA passport holders accordingly."
The cable clarifies that the refusal policy excludes Palestinians applying for immigrant visas or those submitting applications using alternative passport documentation, CNN reported.
"This guidance does include visa applicants for diplomatic or official type visas and for individuals engaging in diplomatic and official travel purposes applying with Palestinian Authority passports," the document stated. "While the Department has determined that the Palestinian Authority (PA) is a competent authority for passport issuing purposes … the United States does NOT recognize the PA as a 'foreign government.'"
