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US expands visa restrictions for Palestinians, NY Times reports

The U.S. suspension affects most Palestinian passport holders, blocking travel for medical care, education, and business, citing national security and compliance concerns under the PLO Commitments Compliance Act.

  • On Aug. 18, the U.S. State Department issued a cable that broadened a suspension halting approvals of nearly all nonimmigrant visitor visas for Palestinian passport holders, including medical, university, business, and family travel.
  • The policy stems from guidance linking the measure to blocking a planned Palestinian Authority push for a `constitutional declaration` at the U.N. General Assembly, citing the PLO Commitments Compliance Act.
  • Consular guidance instructs U.S. consular officers to refuse nonimmigrant visa applications under Section 221 of the Immigration and Nationality Act for Palestinians in the West Bank and diaspora, exempting dual nationals and holders of existing visas for at least 180 days.
  • Friday's revocations targeted Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and about 80 Palestinian Authority and PLO officials, prompting Abbas's office to express `deep regret and astonishment' and drawing condemnation from European governments.
  • Observers warn the move is unprecedented and underscores closer U.S. alignment with Israel amid France, Canada and the United Kingdom poised to recognize Palestinian statehood, further straining Gaza humanitarian crisis.
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U.S. News broke the news in New York, United States on Sunday, August 31, 2025.
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