In a controversial move, Republican Representative Ryan Zinke of Montana has proposed a bill that could prohibit Palestinians from entering the United States and potentially expel those who are already in the country. According to The Hill, Zinke's legislation, called the Safeguarding Americans from Extremism Act, aims to tighten immigration measures related to individuals holding Palestinian Authority-issued passports.

Under the proposed bill, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would be required to suspend the granting of visas, asylum, and refuge for individuals with Palestinian Authority-issued passports. Additionally, entry or visa revocations would be imposed on those who arrived in the U.S. after October 1. The overarching objective of the legislation, as stated by Zinke, is to enhance national security.

Zinke expressed distrust towards both the Biden Administration and the Palestinian Authority's ability to adequately screen individuals seeking entry into the United States. He stated, "This legislation keeps America safe. I don't trust the Biden Administration any more than I do the Palestinian Authority to screen who is allowed to come into the United States. This is the most anti-Hamas immigration legislation I have seen and it's well deserved."

The bill seeks to prevent DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas from granting Temporary Protected Status, refugee status, and asylum to individuals holding Palestinian Authority-issued passports. It also mandates collaboration between DHS, Customs Enforcement, and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to identify and remove individuals without lawful immigration status, including those who have had their status recently revoked.

The introduction of this bill comes in the aftermath of a letter issued by GOP lawmakers to Mayorkas and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in October. The letter urged the revocation and deportation of students on temporary visas who expressed support for Hamas, following a deadly attack on Israel on October 7 that claimed the lives of over 1,400 people.

Zinke's bill has garnered support from 10 co-sponsors, namely Representatives Andy Harris (R-Md.), Aaron Bean (R-Fla.), Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), Scott DesJarlais (R-Tenn.), Clay Higgins (R-La.), Ronny Jackson (R-Texas), Bill Posey (R-Fla.), Barry Moore (R-Ala.), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), and Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.). These co-sponsors are aligned with Zinke's stance on strengthening immigration measures.

It remains to be seen how this proposed legislation will progress, as it may face backlash from opponents who view it as discriminatory and against the principles of inclusivity and diversity in the United States. As debates on immigration policy continue, the bill's potential impact on Palestinian individuals seeking refuge, asylum, or simply a better life in the United States is a matter of concern for many.