Videos posted online show groups of Palestinians who say they are refugees from Gaza arriving at major U.S. gateways, including San Francisco International Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston on 6 Aug., and St. Louis Lambert International Airport on 15 Aug. Conservative commentator Laura Loomer, who released the footage, said one group traveled on Qatar Airways flight QR 0737 that landed in San Francisco at 1:35 p.m. on 6 Aug., while another arrived in St. Louis on a Lufthansa service on 15 Aug. She contends the travelers obtained U.S. visas with help from nonprofit organizations she describes as linked to the Muslim Brotherhood. The videos appear to contradict the Trump administration’s stated position that the United States would not accept Palestinian refugees. Loomer’s claims prompted inquiries from several lawmakers; Rep. Chip Roy said he was “alarmed,” and Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt indicated they would ask the State Department how the visas were issued. The State Department has not publicly commented on the authenticity of the videos or the visa approvals. No government agency has yet confirmed the number of Palestinian arrivals or whether the admissions reflect a change in refugee policy.
CONCERNING — Residents of the Gaza Strip obtained U.S. visas and arrived at the St. Louis Lambert International Airport earlier today, with people welcoming them by waving the Palestinian flag. Palestinians have also come into the U.S. via San Francisco, California, and Houston, https://t.co/g8w7MA2YUE
JUST IN: Texas Congressman @chiproytx says he is alarmed by the videos I posted today that show Palestinians from Gaza landing at airports in Texas. Multiple US Reps and Senators have contacted me today to tell me they are outraged and will be inquiring with @StateDept and https://t.co/RoI8hAw4vH
.@HawleyMO @SenEricSchmitt Why are HAMAS affiliated 501c3s successfully getting GAZANS visas via the US State Department to bring GAZANS into the US? Today several Palestinians from Gaza arrived at the St. Louis airport. This is unacceptable. Please find out from @SecRubio https://t.co/ukC1j9JaSp