House Republicans Introduce Legislation ‘To Expel Palestinians From the United States’

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Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT) introduced a bill that his office says will “expel Palestinians from the United States.”

The legislation has 10 co-sponsors so far.

Zinke, who served as Donald Trump’s secretary of the interior, is seeking to revoke visas issued to Palestinians on or after Oct. 1, among other provisions.

According to a press release issued on Thursday, the Safeguarding Americans from Extremism (SAFE) Act would do the following if enacted:

Render Palestinian Authority passport holders (covered aliens) inadmissible to the U.S.

Bar DHS Sec from granting immigrant/non-immigrant visas to covered aliens.

Revoke visas issued to covered aliens on or after October 1.

Bar DHS Secretary from granting covered aliens Temporary Protected Status.

Bar DHS Secretary from granting future asylum or refugee status to covered aliens.

Revoke Refugee or Asylum status for covered aliens if requested on or after October 1.

Bar DHS Sec from paroling a covered alien.

Revoke parole of covered aliens if paroled on or after October 1.

Direct DHS with ICE/USCIS to identify and remove covered aliens without lawful status (including newly revoked status).

According to the release, a “covered alien” is defined as “an alien who is a holder of a passport or other travel document issued by the Palestinian Authority.”

Anti-Muslim and anti-Semitic sentiment have risen in the U.S. since the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks, when Hamas militants attacked inside Israel and killed 1,400 people while kidnapping more than 200. Since then, Israel has been carrying out military strikes against Gaza, which Hamas controls. The Ministry of Health in Gaza claims 8,000 Palestinians have been killed.

The 10 co-sponsors are Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD), Rep. Aaron Bean (R-FL), Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC), Rep. Scott DesJarlais (R-TN), Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA), Ronny Jackson (R-TX), Bill Posey (R-FL), Barry Moore (R-AL), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), Andy Biggs (R-AZ).