U.S. Implements Stricter Visa Screening for Gaza Travelers
Key Developments:
- New Screening Mandate: The Trump administration has ordered social media vetting for all U.S. visa applicants who have traveled to the Gaza Strip since January 1, 2007.
- Scope of Policy: The directive, issued via an internal State Department cable on April 17, applies to immigrant and non-immigrant visa seekers, including NGO workers, diplomats, and private travelers.
- Security Review Trigger: If screening uncovers national security concerns, consular officers must initiate a Security Advisory Opinion (SAO), prompting an interagency threat assessment.
Broader Visa Crackdown:
- 300+ Visas Revoked: Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited the use of a 1952 law allowing visa cancellations for individuals deemed detrimental to U.S. foreign policy.
- Controversial Enforcement: The policy has faced backlash from civil liberties groups, who argue it targets free speech, particularly for students engaged in pro-Palestinian activism.
- Notable Case: Turkish student Rumeysa Ozturk was arrested after her visa was revoked over political advocacy.
Official Stance:
- Rubio defended the measures, stating, “Every time I find one of these lunatics, I take away their visas,” signaling further revocations.
- The State Department has not publicly addressed the policy’s implications.
The new directive reflects the administration’s hardline stance on immigration and national security, expanding scrutiny for travelers linked to Gaza. While officials frame it as a necessary safeguard, critics warn of overreach and discrimination. With Rubio vowing aggressive enforcement, the policy is likely to fuel ongoing debates over visa restrictions and civil liberties.
