STATE DEPT FREEZES VISAS FOR PALESTINIAN PASSPORT HOLDERS WORLDWIDE UNDER 221(G)

The State Department ordered U.S. embassies and consulates to apply INA §221(g) to suspend approvals of most visitor visas for Palestinian passport holders, effective Aug. 31, 2025. The policy exempts dual nationals and existing valid visas and follows earlier steps denying visas to senior PA/PLO officials and pausing Gaza-origin visas. Former officials say the broad use of 221(g) amounts to an across-the-board refusal with humanitarian and legal implications.