
Biden's executive order shields Palestinian immigrants in the U.S. from deportation amid Israel-Hamas conflict

In a significant move, President Biden signed an executive order to halt the deportation of most Palestinian immigrants residing in the United States, citing the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Complex humanitarian crisis
The executive order, which follows the request from Democratic lawmakers, is expected to provide protection for several thousand Palestinians living in the U.S., according to a CBS News official. The order highlights the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the Palestinian territories, particularly in Gaza, following the terrorist attacks by Hamas militants and the subsequent military response from Israel. President Biden emphasized the dangers faced by civilians in the region and directed the deferral of removal of certain Palestinians present in the United States.
International responses and U.S. policies
The president's use of the little-known presidential program, Deferred Enforced Departure (DED), will also grant beneficiaries temporary work permits. This program, derived from the president's foreign policy authority, has been utilized by both Republican and Democratic administrations. The deportation relief for Palestinians, set to last for 18 months, includes exceptions for individuals outside of the U.S. and those convicted of serious crimes or deemed public safety threats. Additionally, individuals returning to the Palestinian territories will be ineligible for the program.
Looking ahead
Jake Sullivan, Mr. Biden's national security adviser, stated that the executive order will offer protections for the majority of Palestinians in the U.S. This measure aligns with other U.S. policies, such as the Temporary Protected Status, which provides deportation protections and work permits to migrants from crisis-affected countries like Afghanistan, Cameroon, Haiti, Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela. The move has been applauded by Democratic Congresswomen Pramila Jayapal and Jan Schakowsky, who emphasized the importance of prioritizing diplomacy, peace, and security in the Middle East.
The executive order is a reflection of the Biden administration's efforts to address the complex humanitarian crisis and ensure the protection of immigrant groups without requiring congressional action. As the situation continues to unfold, the administration remains committed to exploring diplomatic solutions for the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. President Biden's executive order signifies a notable development in U.S. immigration policy, providing temporary relief for Palestinian immigrants in light of the intensifying Israel-Hamas conflict. The decision underscores the administration's focus on addressing the humanitarian challenges faced by vulnerable populations and navigating foreign policy issues to offer protection and support.
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