Biden signs memo shielding thousands of Palestinians in US from deportation

US President Joe Biden has issued a memo using his executive powers to shield thousands of Palestinians in the US from deportation for the next 18 months.

Some 6,000 Palestinians are eligible for the reprieve under an immigration program called Deferred Enforced Departure.

“While I remain focused on improving the humanitarian situation, many civilians remain in danger; therefore, I am directing the deferral of removal of certain Palestinians who are present in the United States,” Biden states in the memo.

“In light of the ongoing conflict and humanitarian needs on the ground, President Biden signed a memorandum directing the deferral of removal of certain Palestinians who are present in the United States, giving them a temporary safe haven,” US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan says in a statement explaining the executive order.

“This grant of deferred enforced departure would provide protections for most Palestinians in the United States, with certain exceptions,” including convicted felons, others deemed public safety threats, Sullivan adds, saying those who voluntarily return to the West Bank or Gaza would lose such protections.

The move is likely to be welcomed by Arab and Muslim American community leaders who have fumed over Biden’s support for Israel amid the war in Gaza, with many pledging not to vote for the president in re-election.

But the memo also sharpens the difference between Biden and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump, who has called for deporting Palestinians who express support for Hamas. A Republican lawmaker issued legislation — which has no chance of passing — that would revoke the visas of Palestinians and prevent them from receiving asylum status in the US.