The White House has announced that Palestinians residing in the United States would be protected from deportation while the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, citing dramatically deteriorating conditions in Gaza.
Palestinians will be included under postponed enforced departure, which is a presidential discretionary authority.
The decision signed by President Joe Biden essentially permits Palestinian immigrants who would otherwise be deported to stay in the United States. According to national security adviser Jake Sullivan, the protection would endure 18 months and provide a temporary safe haven for Palestinians who qualify.
Biden’s promise to protect Palestinians
“While I remain focused on improving the humanitarian situation, many civilians are still in danger,” Biden stated in the memorandum that accompanied the announcement.
Biden’s decision comes after more than 100 Democratic lawmakers urged the White House to use deferred enforced departure or a similar authority known as temporary protected status to ensure that Palestinians living in the United States are not forced to return to dangerous conditions in Gaza.
More than 28,000 Palestinians, including hundreds of women and children, have been murdered in Gaza over the previous four months, according to Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., who spearheaded the House Democrats’ campaign on Wednesday. Today’s decision by the Administration safeguards Palestinians in the United States from being forced to return to plainly unsafe and lethal situations.
Palestinians who have been convicted of felonies or are otherwise considered a threat to public safety do not qualify, according to Sullivan. Those who want to return home voluntarily will forfeit any protection from deportation.
The president is receiving significant blowback from Arab Americans and progressives for his full-throated support for Israel following the October 7 attack by Hamas, despite Biden’s insistence that he is attempting to reduce civilian casualties.
Trump’s statement in contrast to Biden’s commitment
Putin said that Moscow was compelled to interfere when Ukraine and its allies failed to implement a 2015 deal to hand additional rights to separatist territory in eastern Ukraine, where Moscow-backed separatists started a revolt in 2014.
We can only regret not acting sooner, believing that we are dealing with nice people, Putin stated.
When asked about Trump’s statement on Saturday, in which he stated that he once warned that he would allow Russia to do what ever it wants to NATO member nations that fail to devote 2% of their GDP to defence, Putin responded that it is up to the US to determine its role in the alliance.
Trump’s comments contrasted significantly with Biden’s commitment to defend every inch of NATO territory, as the alliance requires all members to do in the event of an assault. It stunned many in Europe, prompting pledges from Poland, France, and Germany to strengthen Europe’s security and military capabilities.
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