GAZA Act Imposes Automatic, Total Ban on Entry for All Palestinian Authority Passport Holders

The Guaranteeing Aggressors Zero Admission Act, or the GAZA Act, is a short piece of legislation that makes a major change to U.S. immigration law. Simply put, this bill establishes an automatic and total ban on entry to the United States for anyone carrying a passport issued by the Palestinian Authority.

The Passport Block: Zero Exceptions

Section 2 is the core of this bill, and it’s remarkably straightforward in its scope. If a foreign national (an 'alien' in legal terms) holds a passport from the Palestinian Authority, they are immediately deemed "inadmissible" to the U.S. This isn't just about needing an extra form; it means they are blocked from receiving a visa, being formally admitted, or even being granted parole—which is often used for temporary humanitarian entry. This is a blanket exclusion based entirely on the issuing authority of the travel document, making it one of the most restrictive immigration provisions based on nationality or origin.

Real-World Impact: Who Gets Shut Out?

This automatic ban means the U.S. government loses all flexibility when dealing with someone carrying one of these passports. Consider a few scenarios: A Palestinian student who was accepted to a university in the U.S. on a full scholarship would be denied a student visa (F-1). A U.S. citizen who married someone holding a Palestinian Authority passport would find their spouse ineligible for a green card or even a tourist visa to visit family. Even someone seeking emergency medical treatment or humanitarian refuge would be automatically barred from receiving parole, regardless of their individual circumstances or background. The bill doesn’t allow for exceptions, meaning there is no mechanism for an individual assessment of whether they pose a threat or meet humanitarian criteria.

The Cost of a Blanket Rule

For U.S. citizens and residents, this bill could severely impact family reunification and personal relationships. If your spouse, parent, or child holds this specific passport, the GAZA Act essentially closes the door on their legal entry to the U.S., forcing families to either remain separated or relocate entirely. For employers or educational institutions, it removes an entire pool of potential talent, students, and workers without regard for their individual qualifications. The bill is clear and low on legal ambiguity, which means its implementation would be immediate and sweeping, affecting anyone who relies on the current system for entry, even for temporary purposes.