The Biden administration is considering the possibility of bringing Palestinians from Gaza to the United States as refugees, according to internal government documents obtained by CBS News.
Documents reveal that senior officials from various federal agencies have been discussing options for resettling Palestinians from the conflict-ridden region who have immediate family members who are permanent U.S. residents or American citizens.
One proposal being considered involves utilizing the United States Refugee Admissions Program to admit Palestinians with ties to the U.S. who have fled Gaza and entered neighboring Egypt.
Additionally, the idea of admitting more Palestinians as refugees if they have American relatives has been floated by top U.S. officials.
Under these plans, eligible Palestinians who pass medical and security screenings would qualify for refugee status in the U.S., which includes benefits like permanent residency, housing assistance, and a pathway to citizenship.
The recent conflict in Gaza erupted after Hamas launched an unprovoked attack on Israel on Oct. 7, resulting in casualties and abductions.
This potential resettlement of Palestinians as refugees would mark a departure from established U.S. government policy. Historically, the U.S. has resettled relatively few Palestinians through its refugee program, with fewer than 600 resettled in the past decade.
While such a move might garner support from congressional Democrats, it could also face political challenges for the Biden administration, particularly amid divisions within the Democratic Party over its stance on Israel.
Requests for comment from the White House, Department of Homeland Security, and State Department have been made by CBS News.
