The United States has halted the issuance of visitor visas for residents of Gaza, including medical-humanitarian cases, pending a review of procedures, the State Department confirmed on Saturday.
The move follows rising political pressure after far-right activist Laura Loomer shared viral posts on social media falsely suggesting that Palestinian children arriving in the U.S. for medical treatment posed security risks.
According to State Department data, more than 3,800 visitor visas were issued in 2025 to individuals with Palestinian Authority travel documents, though it is unclear how many were granted to residents of Gaza specifically.
Humanitarian Concerns
The suspension has triggered strong reactions from aid and rights groups. The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, which has long arranged life-saving medical treatment abroad for children from Gaza, called the halt “dangerous and inhumane.”
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) also condemned the decision, saying it would deny urgent medical care and family reunification opportunities for innocent civilians.
Broader Implications
Officials said the visa freeze is temporary but did not provide a timeline for completion of the review. The halt applies to B1/B2 visitor visas, which are typically used for short-term visits, medical treatment, and business travel.
The decision adds a new layer of uncertainty for Gazans already facing severe humanitarian challenges and limited access to international travel.
