Democratic Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib has criticized the United States’ decision to grant Israel entry into the American visa waiver program (VWP), expressing her disapproval. President Joe Biden’s administration has been condemned for supporting what she calls Israel’s “discriminatory practices.”
She stated that Israel’s inclusion in the VWP clearly validates and supports Israel’s discriminatory practices against the Palestinians and represents a decision by the Biden administration that appeases the situation.
In a statement posted on Thursday on her website, Tlaib expressed these sentiments.
The State Department and the Department of Homeland Security announced on Wednesday morning that a decision regarding this matter will be made by the United States by September 30th.
Under the VWP, Israeli citizens will be allowed visa-free travel to the United States for up to 90 days, and American citizens will enjoy the same privilege when traveling to Israel.
According to the State Department, Israel’s inclusion in the VWP will be effective on November 30th.
Tlaib further explained that granting Israel permission to participate in the program means that the U.S. government is allowing a foreign government to discriminate against its own citizens based on a security classification.
Source: Middle East Eye.
