Trump administration halts visas for people from Gaza after Laura Loomer questions arrivals - Sentinel Colorado
sentinelcolorado.com -- Sunday, August 17, 2025, 8:25:06 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: Classified Documents & National Security, U.S. Elections & Voting Rights, Republican Party Politics

WASHINGTON | A day after conservative activist Laura Loomer posted videos on social media of children from Gaza arriving in the U.S. for medical treatment and questioning how they got visas, the State Department said it was halting all visitor visas for people from Gaza pending a review.
The State Department said Saturday the visas would be stopped while it looks into how "a small number of temporary medical-humanitarian visas" were issued in recent days. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday told "Face the Nation" on CBS that the action came after "outreach from multiple congressional offices asking questions about it."
Rubio said there were "just a small number" of the visas issued to children in need of medical aid but that they were accompanied by adults. The congressional offices reached out with evidence that "some of the organizations bragging about and involved in acquiring these visas have strong links to terrorist groups like Hamas," he asserted, without providing evidence or naming those organizations.
As a result, he said, "we are going to pause this program and reevaluate how those visas are being vetted and what relationship, if any, has there been by these organizations to the process of acquiring those visas."
Loomer on Friday posted videos on X of children from Gaza arriving earlier this month in San Francisco and Houston for medical treatment with the aid of an organization called HEAL Palestine. "Despite the US saying we are not accepting Palestinian 'refugees' into the United States under the Trump administration," these people from Gaza were able to travel to the U.S., she said.
She called it a "national security threat" and asked who signed off on the visas, calling for the person to be fired. She tagged Rubio, President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, GOP Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat.
Trump has downplayed Loomer's influence on his administration, but several officials swiftly left or were removed shortly after she publicly criticized them.
The State Department on Sunday declined to comment on how many of the visas had been granted and whether the decision to halt visas to people from Gaza had anything to do with Loomer's posts.
HEAL Palestine said in a statement Sunday that it was "distressed" by the State Department decision to stop halt visitor visas from Gaza. The group said it is "an American humanitarian nonprofit organization delivering urgent aid and medical care to children in Palestine."
A post on the organization's Facebook page Thursday shows a photo of a boy from Gaza leaving Egypt and headed to St. Louis for treatment and said he is "our 15th evacuated child arriving in the U.S. in the last two weeks."
The organization brings "severely injured children" to the U.S. on temporary visas for treatment they can't get at home, the statement said. Following treatment, the children and any family members who accompanied them return to the Middle East, the statement said.
"This is a medical treatment program, not a refugee resettlement program," it said.
The World Health Organization has repeatedly called for more medical evacuations from Gaza, where Israel's over 22-month war against Hamas has heavily destroyed or damaged much of the territory's health system.
"More than 14,800 patients still need lifesaving medical care that is not available in Gaza," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Wednesday on social media, and called on more countries to offer support.
A WHO description of the medical evacuation process from Gaza published last year explained that the WHO submits lists of patients to Israeli authorities for security clearance. It noted that before the war in Gaza began, 50 to 100 patients were leaving Gaza daily for medical treatment, and it called for a higher rate of approvals from Israeli authorities.
The U.N. and partners say medicines and even basic health care supplies are low in Gaza after Israel cut off all aid to the territory of over 2 million people for more than 10 weeks earlier this year.
"Ceasefire! Peace is the best medicine," Tedros added Wednesday.
Sign Our PetitionThe recent decision by the Trump administration to halt visitor visas from Gaza, following social media outcry led by conservative activist Laura Loomer, highlights the intersections of humanitarian need, national security rhetoric, and the pervasive influence of fear-based politics in shaping U.S. immigration policy. This action not only raises concerns about the immediate impact on vulnerable children in need of medical treatment but also reflects a broader historical pattern of scapegoating marginalized groups based on unfounded accusations and political expedience.
Historically, the U.S. has a long and troubling record of allowing national security concerns to trump humanitarian principles, often at the expense of those fleeing conflict and persecution. The treatment of refugees from Vietnam in the 1970s, for example, saw a surge in anti-immigrant sentiment fueled by fears of communism, which ultimately delayed and complicated the arrival of many who were fleeing dire circumstances. Similarly, the current situation with Gaza echoes this legacy as children, who should be seen as innocent victims of a prolonged and brutal conflict, are instead framed as potential security threats. This perspective undermines the fundamental principles of compassion and solidarity that should guide responses to humanitarian crises.
The rhetoric employed by Loomer and echoed by figures like Secretary of State Marco Rubio—that the visas might somehow be linked to terrorist organizations like Hamas—serves to vilify organizations like HEAL Palestine, which are dedicated to providing urgent medical care to children in crisis. This response not only lacks substantiation but also conveniently ignores the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where innocent civilians, particularly children, bear the brunt of military actions and the resulting humanitarian fallout. By focusing on unfounded allegations, these narratives distract from the real issues at hand: the dire need for medical assistance and the moral obligation to assist those suffering.
Moreover, the decision to halt medical humanitarian visas signals a chilling precedent, particularly for organizations operating in conflict zones. It creates an environment of fear where humanitarian work is scrutinized and potentially criminalized, thereby stifling the crucial assistance needed in times of crisis. This situation is exacerbated by the current political climate, where the rhetoric surrounding immigration is often steeped in xenophobia and a misunderstanding of what constitutes a legitimate security threat. It underscores the necessity for a more nuanced conversation about the value of compassion in foreign policy and the human cost of prioritizing political posturing over humanitarian action.
As citizens and advocates, it is imperative to engage in discussions that counter these harmful narratives. Highlighting the urgent needs of those affected by conflict and emphasizing the moral obligations of wealthier nations to assist those in distress can help shift the discourse. By documenting and sharing stories of those aided by organizations like HEAL Palestine, we can combat the dehumanization that often accompanies political rhetoric and remind our communities of the shared humanity that binds us all. The ongoing social struggles surrounding immigration, national security, and humanitarian aid demand that we not only challenge unjust policies but also work towards creating a society that values empathy and justice over fear and division.
The recent decision by the Trump administration to halt visitor visas for individuals from Gaza raises significant concerns about the intersection of humanitarian needs and national security rhetoric. This move, which appears to be a direct response to conservative activist Laura Loomer's public outcry regarding the arrival of Palestinian children in the U.S. for medical treatment, underscores the troubling trend of using fear and misinformation to shape immigration policy. Loomer's framing of these children as a "national security threat" not only dehumanizes them but also reflects a broader narrative that pits national interests against humanitarian obligations. This situation calls for a thoughtful response from those who value compassion and justice, emphasizing the importance of protecting vulnerable populations rather than excluding them based on baseless fears.
Historically, the U.S. has maintained a dual identity as both a land of opportunity and a fortress against perceived external threats. This tension has often resulted in policies that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. The immigration framework has been manipulated over the decades to fit the political narratives of those in power. The current administration's decision to pause these humanitarian visas echoes the sentiments seen in past policies, such as the Muslim ban, which targeted individuals based on their nationality and religion rather than their actual threat level. By stopping these medical visas, the government is not only denying critical healthcare to children in desperate need but is also reinforcing a culture of suspicion that can have lasting implications for community cohesion and mutual understanding.
As concerned citizens, we must confront this policy with a multifaceted approach. First, engaging in grassroots activism to raise awareness about the humanitarian situation in Gaza is crucial. Initiatives could include organizing community discussions, creating informational campaigns, and utilizing social media platforms to amplify the voices of organizations like HEAL Palestine, which work tirelessly to bring medical aid to those in need. It's essential to counter the narrative that frames these children as threats by sharing their stories and emphasizing the moral imperative to assist those suffering from the consequences of conflict and violence.
Moreover, advocating for legislative change at the local and national levels is vital. We can engage our elected officials, demanding they prioritize humanitarian visas and support policies that provide safe harbor for those escaping dire situations. This advocacy can be bolstered by research and data that illustrate the positive contributions refugees and immigrants make to society, challenging the unfounded perceptions that fuel restrictive immigration policies. By framing the conversation around compassion and shared humanity, we can create a more inclusive narrative that resonates even with those who may hold more conservative views.
Finally, fostering dialogue and understanding between diverse communities is essential in dismantling the fears that lead to exclusionary policies. Initiatives aimed at bridging cultural divides, such as community service projects, interfaith dialogues, and cultural exchanges, can help humanize the experiences of immigrants and refugees. This understanding can cultivate empathy and promote a collective commitment to justice, challenging the narratives that seek to divide us. As we navigate these complex conversations, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to advocating for a society that values life, dignity, and the well-being of all its members, particularly the most vulnerable among us.
The recent decision by the Trump administration to halt visas for individuals from Gaza, particularly for children seeking medical treatment, raises significant concerns about humanitarian access, discrimination, and the politicization of immigration. This situation calls for proactive engagement and advocacy. Below is a detailed list of actions we can take to address this issue effectively.
### Personal Actions:
1. **Educate Yourself and Others**: Understanding the broader context of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the importance of medical aid is crucial. Share articles, documentaries, and credible sources about the situation in Gaza to raise awareness among your friends, family, and community.
2. **Support Humanitarian Organizations**: Contribute to or volunteer with organizations like HEAL Palestine, which directly aid children needing medical treatment. Your support can help them continue their work despite political challenges.
3. **Engage in Discussions**: Host or participate in community meetings or forums to discuss the implications of immigration policies on humanitarian aid. Engaging in dialogue can help mobilize community support.
### Concrete Actions:
1. **Petitions**: - **Petition to Support Medical Access for Children**: Create or sign petitions on platforms like Change.org or MoveOn.org that call for the U.S. to allow children from Gaza access to medical treatment. You can start a petition that specifically demands the reinstatement of the visa program for humanitarian reasons. - Example**: [Change.org - Allow Medical Visas for Children from Gaza](https://www.change.org)
2. **Contact Elected Officials**: - Write to your congressional representatives, urging them to take action against the visa halt and support humanitarian medical aid. Here are specific officials you can contact: **Senator Marco Rubio (FL)** - Email: [senator_rubio@rubio.senate.gov](mailto:senator_rubio@rubio.senate.gov) - Mailing Address: 284 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510
**House Representative (check your local representative)** - Use [House.gov](https://www.house.gov) to find and contact your local representative.
3. **Sample Message for Emails/Letters**: ``` Subject: Urgent Support for Humanitarian Medical Aid
Dear [Official's Name],
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the recent decision to halt visitor visas for individuals from Gaza seeking medical treatment in the United States. This decision not only impacts the lives of vulnerable children needing urgent medical care but also undermines our country's commitment to humanitarian values.
I urge you to advocate for the immediate reinstatement of these visas and support organizations like HEAL Palestine that are working tirelessly to provide necessary medical aid. Our nation should be a beacon of hope for those in need, not a barrier.
Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Contact Information] ```
4. **Organize a Protest or Vigil**: Mobilize your community to hold a peaceful protest or vigil to raise awareness about the plight of children from Gaza. Use social media to promote the event and invite local news outlets to cover it for wider visibility.
5. **Leverage Social Media**: Share your thoughts and encourage others to act using platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Use hashtags related to the topic, such as #HumanRightsForGaza or #MedicalAidNow, to amplify your message. Tag relevant organizations and individuals to increase engagement.
6. **Connect with Local Human Rights Groups**: Partner with local NGOs or advocacy groups that focus on immigrant and refugee rights. Collaborate on campaigns, events, or educational programs that highlight the importance of humanitarian aid.
7. **Utilize Local Media**: Write opinion pieces for local newspapers to highlight the issue and advocate for the rights of children needing medical treatment. Share personal stories or testimonials from families affected by these policies.
By taking these actions, we can collectively challenge the unjust policies that hinder humanitarian efforts and ensure that children from Gaza receive the medical care they desperately need.