WASHINGTON, Sept 1 — The administration of United States (US) President Donald Trump has broadened visa restrictions on Palestinian passport holders, suspending approvals for nearly all categories of non-immigrant visitor visas, according to The New York Times on Sunday, reported Xinhua.
The suspension now extends to applications for medical care, university studies, business trips, and visits to friends or family, the report said.
The measure, outlined in an August 18 cable from the State Department to US embassies and consulates, significantly broadens earlier restrictions that applied only to Gaza residents.
The new policy now extends to Palestinians in the West Bank and the wider diaspora.
Earlier this month, the Trump administration also revoked visas from members of the Palestine Liberation Organisation and the Palestinian Authority, preventing them from attending the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The US State Department said the decision was based on national security concerns, accusing Palestinian leaders of failing to renounce terrorism.
