U.S. Halts Gazan Visitor Visas for Medical Trips
The U.S. State Department has suspended the issuance of visitor visas for people from Gaza, including those traveling for urgent medical treatment. The department confirmed that the pause is temporary and linked to a review of recent visa procedures. This move affects many humanitarian cases where children and critically ill patients are brought to the U.S. for life-saving care.
Political Pressure and Backlash
The decision followed growing political pressure after far-right activist Laura Loomer criticized the visa program, calling it a security risk. She circulated footage of injured Gazans arriving for treatment, which sparked debate in political circles. Some Republican lawmakers backed her concerns, and soon after, the State Department announced the suspension. Officials, however, did not directly confirm a link between her campaign and the policy shift.
Humanitarian Concerns
Aid organizations expressed concern that the halt will block access to urgent medical care. Groups such as the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund and HEAL Palestine pointed out that hundreds of children were evacuated to the U.S. this year for critical treatment. They warned that pausing visas would endanger lives at a time when Gaza’s healthcare system remains in crisis due to ongoing conflict.
Numbers and Impact
In 2025 alone, the U.S. issued over 3,800 visitor visas to Palestinians holding travel documents from the Palestinian Authority, including residents of Gaza. Humanitarian groups estimate that at least 148 children were evacuated for specialized care under this program earlier this year. With the new suspension, those medical evacuations have now been brought to a standstill.
Ongoing Review
The suspension comes as the Gaza war continues into its third year, leaving hospitals short of resources and civilian casualties mounting. Critics argue the U.S. move unfairly targets civilians in need, while supporters insist it is necessary for national security. The review’s findings will decide if visas, particularly for medical purposes, will be reinstated.
