Democrats urge Biden to grant protected status to Palestinians in US amid war

A group of Democratic lawmakers has appealed to President Joe Biden to provide humanitarian support to Palestinian tourists, students, and workers currently residing in the United States, given the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip as well as the unrest and violence in the West Bank.

Led by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, over 100 Democrats expressed their request in a letter to President Biden, urging him to offer deportation relief and work permits to individuals from the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories. The lawmakers proposed that these individuals be granted access to existing U.S. programs designed to assist people who are affected by conflicts, natural disasters, or other exceptional circumstances happening in their home countries. 

"In light of ongoing armed conflict, Palestinians already in the United States should not be forced to return to the Palestinian territories, consistent with President Biden's stated commitment to protecting Palestinian civilians," the lawmakers wrote.

The humanitarian protections would only apply to Palestinians who are already residing in the United States, excluding those in the war zone or refugees in other countries. The extent of coverage for Palestinians in the U.S. remains unclear.

According to U.N. data, approximately two-thirds of Gaza's population, totaling 2.3 million people, have been displaced within their own region due to the ongoing conflict.

Lawmakers have called President Biden to utilize the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) programs to provide relief to Palestinians. Since assuming office in 2021, Biden has already granted TPS to numerous individuals, including Venezuelans and Haitians.

As of now, the White House has not responded to inquiries for comment.