DeGette Praises Move to Grant Deferred Enforced Departure for Palestinians

Last week, the Biden Administration announced plans to provide deferred enforced departure (DED) for Palestinians currently living in the United States, essentially allowing them to remain in the country for another 18 months. Representative DeGette (D-CO), as well as several other concerned legislators, describe this as positive and necessary move in order to prevent migrants from having to return to war-torn Gaza.

“I’m glad the Biden Administration has offered these individuals safe haven in the U.S.,” says DeGette. “While we take this step, we must continue to advocate for the reliable and robust delivery of humanitarian aid that will save lives in Gaza. A new, bilateral peace agreement is needed to end the fighting and release the remaining hostages in the short term, and a two-state solution is needed in the long term to ensure any established peace is a lasting one.” DeGette was one of several U.S. Representatives who submitted a letter urging the Biden Administration to act late last year.

The situation in Gaza has been steadily deteriorating since the attacks of October 7, with Israel’s military response sparking international debate. South Africa even summoned Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu to the International Court of Justice, accusing the nation of enacting genocide against Palestinians, including targeting areas previously designated as refugee safe zones. However, representatives of Israel claim that they took all necessary actions required to eliminate the political resistance movement Hamas.

Currently, proponents of a cease-fire call attention to the dismal state of living for the remaining Palestinian population. In announcing the U.S.’s provision of DED to Palestinian immigrants, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan described the conditions in Gaza has having “significantly deteriorated.” Many have also accused the Israeli government of “pinkwashing,” pretending to be supportive of LGBTQ+ minorities while simultaneously perpetrating numerous human rights violations.

President Biden called the country’s actions “over the top,” and his decision to allow DED for Palestinian immigrants falls in line with that. It should be noted, however, that despite Biden’s supposed support of Palestinians, the United States vetoed a UN call for ceasefire in Gaza for the third time on Tuesday. The U.S. State Department also previously bypassed Congress in December in order to send over $100 million worth of munitions to Israel.

Photo courtesy of @mhdksafa on X