Concerns Mount Over Biden’s Order to Halt Deportations, Citing Potential Security Risks, Incentives for Hamas Terrorists
President Joe Biden is facing criticism from Republicans over his recent announcement to grant deportation deferrals for a majority of Palestinians residing in the United States without legal status.
The president’s recent order on Wednesday has called for a temporary halt to the deportation of a significant number of Palestinians residing unlawfully in the United States. In addition, the Department of Homeland Security has been requested to grant employment authorization to noncitizens.
Biden’s action directly contradicted legislation introduced by Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT) and ten co-sponsors. The legislation aimed to ban or revoke visas, refugee status, and asylum for Palestinian Authority passport holders dating back to Oct 1.
‘There is a history of radical Islamic terrorists taking advantage of regional conflicts to enter refugee populations and carry out terrorist attacks,’ Zinke told the Daily Mail in response to Biden’s executive decision.
Zinke highlighted the presence of fighters among departing Palestinian civilians in the war-torn area since the war began.
‘Biden’s decision to permit Palestinian visa overstays raises concerns about potential security vulnerabilities and the potential incentive it may create for certain groups,’ he concluded.
On Thursday, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) took to social media to voice his discontent with Biden’s order.
‘Palestinians entered Israel and carried out a devastating attack on the Jewish population, resulting in a tragic loss of life.’ According to Cotton’s statement on X, civilian hostages, including Americans, are still being held. ‘Why should we reward this terror with statehood?’
In his memo, the president stated that his decision was in the best interest of the United States’ foreign policy. Biden responded to calls from Democrats and activists to show solidarity with Palestinians following the terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7.
‘Our request is based on the ongoing and highly condemnable genocidal actions of the far-right Israeli government,’ stated a letter sent in November by the Biden administration on behalf of The Americans for Justice in Palestine Action (AJP Action) and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), urging him to address the situation.
Biden Campaign Aware of Concerns Among Muslim Supporters After Backing Israel’s Gaza Operations
The Biden campaign is mindful of the potential impact on Muslim supporters following the president’s endorsement of Israel’s military operations in Gaza subsequent to the attacks.
During Biden’s early February campaign visit to Michigan, there were some interruptions from protesters expressing their concerns about his support for Israel. They voiced their opinions by shouting slogans and waving flags.
Last week, the Biden administration met with Muslim leaders in Dearborn, Michigan to address their concerns regarding the president’s stance on Israel’s military operations.
A recent poll by Fox News revealed that Democratic voters in Michigan have differing opinions when it comes to their support for Israelis and Palestinians. The poll indicated that liberals and young voters are more inclined to favor Palestinians.
