Request in Response to Republican Calls to Ban and Expel Palestinians in America
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 11/7/23) – Americans for Justice in Palestine Action (AJP Action) and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today sent a letter to the Biden Administration calling on the State Department and Department of Homeland Security to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and authorize Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Palestinians in the United States. This call is in response to Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.) introducing a bill on Thursday, along with 10 other Republicans, that would ban Palestinians from entering the U.S. and possibly expel those who are already here.
CLICK HERE: Read AJP Action & CAIR’s Letter Requesting TPS & DED for Palestinians in America
The ongoing far-right Israeli government’s genocide in Gaza, which have resulted in the murder of more than 10,000 Palestinian civilians, including more than 4,800 children, and the continued apartheid policies in the occupied West Bank, have created a situation where many Palestinians fear for their safety and cannot safely return home.
In stark contrast to Representative Zinke’s call to ban and expel Palestinians, TPS and DED offer a compassionate alternative. These measures would provide a temporary reprieve from deportation, allowing Palestinian individuals to continue living and working in the United States without fear of removal.
In a statement AJP Action and CAIR said:
“Palestinians in Gaza must have the opportunity to live in their homeland with justice, peace, and freedom, free from the constant threat of ethnic cleansing. For those Palestinians currently in America on limited visas with impending departure dates, they should be granted the right to stay until the Israeli government ceases its campaign of mass violence in both the West Bank and Gaza.
“Zinke’s hateful legislative proposal epitomizes an extreme form of anti-Palestinian fear mongering. It not only fails to enhance America’s security but also risks inciting further violence against Arab and Muslim Americans solely based on their nationality and perceived religion.
“Instead of pursuing these divisive measures, the Departments of State and Homeland Security should demonstrate compassion by extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and authorizing Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). These actions would provide the much-needed protection and stability that Palestinian families currently residing in the United States rightfully deserve.
“In addition to Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza, Palestinians have endured decades of displacement and violence at the hands of the Israeli government and settlers. The recent Israeli military escalation of the conflict has only exacerbated Palestinians’ already dire circumstances.”
Americans for Justice in Palestine Action (AJP Action) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization advocating for legislation supporting the human rights of the Palestinian people and endorsing candidates for office who support those rights.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations’ mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com