Three Muslim members of Congress denounced a Republican proposal to expel Palestinians from the United States in a joint statement on Tuesday. The legislation, introduced by former Interior secretary Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.), aims to bar Palestinians from traveling to the U.S. and revoke any visas issued to Palestinians since October 1.
The Muslim lawmakers condemned the bill as unconstitutional and a form of fascism, highlighting that it would disproportionately affect hundreds of thousands of Palestinian immigrants living in the U.S. who contribute to American society.
Zinke’s bill and the Democrats’ response come amid escalating threats against Jewish and Muslim Americans following the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Zinke defended his legislation by stating that it aimed to prevent potential terrorists from exploiting asylum systems to enter the U.S., referencing incidents involving Syrian refugees in the U.S. and abroad. Nonetheless, the bill is largely symbolic and unlikely to become law.
The Department of Homeland Security recently reported an increase in people apprehended at the border whose names were on a terrorist watch list.
However, Zinke clarified that he holds no hostility toward Palestinians and has Muslim friends. The introduction of his bill has coincided with a spike in anti-Muslim and anti-Arab rhetoric, prompting the White House to announce measures to combat Islamophobia and antisemitism.
In light of recent hate crimes against Muslim Americans, the Democrats and Zinke have engaged in a heated debate over policies targeting specific ethnic and religious groups.
Lastly, Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) is currently facing Republican censure resolutions over her alleged antisemitic criticism of Israel.
