The Gaza Act (S. 1159), introduced in the Senate by Senator Steve Daines, would categorically block Palestinians who hold a passport issued by the Palestinian Authority from entering the United States. The bill states that such individuals are inadmissible, ineligible for any visa or other entry documentation, and ineligible to be admitted or paroled into the United States or to receive any other benefit under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). In short, it creates a blanket ban on PA-passport holders from obtaining entry to the U.S. or any INA benefits. The measure is a standalone policy proposal with no stated exceptions in the text provided. As introduced, it would be up to immigration officials to enforce, using passport documentation to determine eligibility for entry, visas, parole, and INA benefits.
Key Points
- 1Core prohibition: Any alien who holds a passport issued by the Palestinian Authority is inadmissible to the United States, ineligible for a visa or other entry documentation, and ineligible for admission, parole, or any other INA benefits.
- 2Short title: The act may be cited as the “Guaranteeing Aggressors Zero Admission Act” or the “GAZA Act.”
- 3Scope of coverage: Applies specifically to aliens who are holders of a Palestinian Authority passport; affects their ability to apply for visas, enter, or receive INA benefits.
- 4INA implications: The prohibition covers not only visas and admission but also any other benefits under the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.), such as certain humanitarian or temporary programs, where applicable.
- 5Status and process: Introduced in the Senate (S. 1159) by Senator Daines; referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. As introduced, it has not yet become law and would require committee action and likely floor consideration.