Palestinians: Keep out?

March 9, 2009 at 2:28 PM

Should Palestinians from Gaza be treated differently under US refugee law? According to Senator Jon Kyl (R – AZ), the answer is yes.

A Palestinian boy pours water into a dish for a woman as she sits on the rubble of her home, March 6, 2009. (c) MOHAMMED ABED/AFP/Getty Images

A Palestinian boy pours water into a dish for a woman as she sits on the rubble of her home in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip , March 6, 2009. (c) MOHAMMED ABED/AFP/Getty Images

Last Friday, Senator Kyl introduced an amendment to the Omnibus Appropriations bill, which adds the following line to page 942: “None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be made available to resettle Palestinians from Gaza into the United States.” This amendment comes after a time of conflict, which sharply deteriorated the existing humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Contrary to a policy of 30 years, which extends protection to refugees on the basis of need, this amendment seeks to discriminate against an entire group based on nationality alone. Any refugee deemed in need of third country resettlement who meets the criteria of the US refugee program and the security protocols of the Department of Homeland Security should have access to our program irrespective of his or her nationality, ethnicity, or religion.

A vote on the amendment is expected tonight or tomorrow morning! Right now we are contacting Senators offices and gathering NGO signatures for a joint letter to urge them to vote against this discriminatory legislation. Add your voice now.

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4 thoughts on “Palestinians: Keep out?”

  1. I've already written individually to Senator Specter, President Obama & Sec of State Clinton, saying pretty much what was in Amnesty's letter.

    I can't believe that Senator Kyl would want to smear the image of USA as a haven for refugees regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender or country of origin.

    We have lost so much in terms of civil rights, human rights and reputation under the previous administration that the promise of America is tarnished and tattered.

    I'd like to see Senator Kyl sanctioned for his heartless bigotry toward defenseless refugees, or does he owe his entire senate career to zionists?

  2. I’ve already written individually to Senator Specter, President Obama & Sec of State Clinton, saying pretty much what was in Amnesty’s letter.

    I can’t believe that Senator Kyl would want to smear the image of USA as a haven for refugees regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender or country of origin.

    We have lost so much in terms of civil rights, human rights and reputation under the previous administration that the promise of America is tarnished and tattered.

    I’d like to see Senator Kyl sanctioned for his heartless bigotry toward defenseless refugees, or does he owe his entire senate career to zionists?