White House mulls accepting Palestinian refugees from conflict-ridden Gaza

The Biden administration is considering a groundbreaking move to bring certain Palestinians from war-torn Gaza to the U.S. as refugees, according to internal federal government documents obtained by CBS News. The plan would offer a permanent safe haven to those fleeing the devastating conflict in Gaza.

Senior officials across various federal U.S. agencies have been discussing the practicality of different options to resettle Palestinians from Gaza who have immediate family members who are American citizens or permanent residents. One proposal involves using the United States Refugee Admissions Program to welcome Palestinians with U.S. ties who have managed to escape Gaza and enter neighboring Egypt.

The plans would require coordination with Egypt, which has been hesitant to welcome large numbers of people from Gaza. Those who pass eligibility, medical, and security screenings would qualify for refugee status in the U.S., offering them permanent residency, resettlement benefits, and a path to American citizenship.

The move comes in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war, which has claimed the lives of over 34,000 people and displaced hundreds of thousands in Gaza. The conflict began after Hamas staged an unprecedented attack across Israel, resulting in widespread casualties and abductions.

While the eligible population is expected to be relatively small, the proposal marks a significant shift in U.S. refugee policy towards Palestinians. The U.S. has historically resettled very few Palestinian refugees, with only 56 welcomed in fiscal year 2023.

The potential resettlement of Palestinian refugees could spark political challenges for the Biden administration, as it navigates the complexities of the Israel-Hamas conflict and immigration issues. However, the move aligns with the administration’s goal of increasing refugee resettlement and providing humanitarian aid to those in need.