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The
Electronic Intifada
The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination (ADC) has noted
increased reports which indicate Israel is discriminating against US
citizens and other foreign nationals by denying them entry or
re-entry into the West Bank, Gaza, and Israel.
In late September, the US Consul General in Jerusalem also
acknowledged a noticeable change in the number of Israeli refusals
or denial of entry cases. More than 120,000 Arab Americans are
believed to be impacted by this latest Israeli policy and the
Consulate is urging people to document this information.
Additionally, on October 11, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
said, "I will continue to do everything in my power ... to ensure
that all American travelers receive fair and equal treatment."
As such, ADC will be working with the 'Campaign
for the Right of Entry/Re-Entry to the Occupied Palestinian
Territories' to collect information on this troubling practice.
These first-hand accounts will help to document and demonstrate the
impact of this discriminatory practice.
Please take the time to report your details to ADC by:
Completing the form online
Alternately you may
print the form and send the completed form by fax to:
202-333-3980
Direct questions to ADC's Legal Department: 202-244-2990 or
legal@adc.org
It appears that these denials fall into two categories. The
first group includes US citizens and foreign nationals, either short
or long term visitors wishing to visit family or conduct business,
who don't hold an Israeli-issued Palestinian ID entry into or
residence in Palestine. The second group includes individuals who
have applied for family unification, as per Israeli-defined
regulations, but have been unable to gain permanent residency. The
majority of this group is Palestinian ID holders petitioning for
their spouse or children to become residents in the West Bank or
Gaza. Regardless of whether you fall into either of these
categories, please report your case information. |
