The decision was made 'in the interest of national security'
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Donald Trump's administration has imposed new immigration restrictions that directly affect those who hold travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority.
According to a diplomatic cable dated August 18 and sent to all United States missions abroad, the measure blocks almost any possibility of entering the country for Palestinians residing in Judea and Samaria, even in cases of travel for medical reasons, university studies, family visits, or business commitments.
These limitations expand the ban announced just two days earlier, on August 16, which suspended the issuance of visas for all residents of the Gaza Strip.
Now, the scope extends to any person who possesses only a travel document from the Palestinian Authority.
United States President Donald Trump
Those who have dual nationality and travel with another passport,as well as those who already have a valid U.S. visa, are exempt.
A State Department spokesperson confirmed that embassies and consulates received the order to apply the restrictions, explaining that these are "concrete measures in compliance with U.S. law and in safeguarding national security".
To deny the applications, the White House would be invoking section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, a provision that is normally used in limited cases to require additional documentation from applicants.
The decision adds to another announced the previous Friday, when the State Department communicated that it will revoke existing visas and reject new applications from individuals linked to the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority, just before the annual debate of the UN General Assembly scheduled for September.
In an internal memorandum, Washington emphasized that "it is a national security interest to hold the PLO and the Palestinian Authority accountable for failing to fulfill their commitments and for undermining prospects for peace".
The text added that before they can be considered "peace partners," these organizations must "consistently repudiate terrorism—including the October 7 massacre—and put an end to incitement in the educational sphere".
