Cantwell Joins 41 Democratic Colleagues in Urging Rubio to Resume Medical and Humanitarian Visas for Civilians from Gaza

Cantwell Joins 41 Democratic Colleagues in Urging Rubio to Resume Medical and Humanitarian Visas for Civilians from Gaza

ICYMI: Cantwell introduced NDAA Amendment to create a multinational force to facilitate and protect delivery of humanitarian aid

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Yesterday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), joined 41 of her Senate Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing concern and demanding an explanation over the State Department's decision last month to suspend the issuance of temporary medical and humanitarian visas for civilians from Gaza in need of urgent medical care, including children with life-threatening injuries or conditions. The letter also requests information on the Department's recent decision to restrict nonimmigrant visas for people who hold Palestinian passports.

"We write with grave concern regarding the State Department's recent suspension of all visitor visas for eligible, vetted individuals from Gaza, including those in need of urgent medical care. We are also concerned by the unprecedented decision to abruptly refuse nonimmigrant visas to people with Palestinian passports. It is critical that the Department immediately reinstate temporary medical and humanitarian visas for Palestinian civilians in Gaza in order to save lives, resume nonimmigrant visas for eligible Palestinian passport holders, and double down on the work needed to achieve a just and lasting peace in the region," the Senators wrote.

"During the Biden and current Trump administrations, individuals from Gaza who met specific criteria set by the State Department have been granted temporary medical and humanitarian visas, allowing them to access life-saving medical treatment in the United States. These civilians include severely wounded children who are especially vulnerable and, through no fault of their own, have been caught in the crossfire and forced to endure horrible impacts from the war in Gaza. These children and their accompanying caretakers leaving Gaza to receive medical treatment are subject to strong vetting processes, including by the Israeli government, which look specifically at any potential security threats and known associations," the Senators continued.

This blanket decision by the State Department prevents a viable pathway to critical care for individuals who qualify for temporary medical and humanitarian visas, including children with life-threatening injuries or conditions, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis. With medical facilities in Gaza growing increasingly limited, and acute shortages of medicines, medical supplies, and medical professionals, particularly those with expertise in complex specialties, care is being delayed and exacerbating the suffering of those in need.

The Senators requested a full explanation of the circumstances leading to this abrupt decision to suspend medical and humanitarian visas as well as specific issues, instances, or concerns identified, and a list of any cases of medical treatments that have been delayed as a result. Further, they requested information on what specific processes and procedures are being reviewed, the criteria being used to review them, when the State Department expects the reviews to be completed, and how the Department plans to ensure that access to emergency medical care for those eligible is not disrupted going forward.

"As Secretary of State, we urge you to immediately reinstate the issuance of temporary medical and humanitarian visas in order to provide urgently needed life-saving civilian relief, resume issuing nonimmigrant visas for eligible individuals with Palestinian passports, and refocus U.S. efforts on achieving a lasting end to the conflict in Gaza that ensures security, peace, and prosperity for all in the region," the Senators concluded.

Earlier this month, Sen. Cantwell introduced an amendment to the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would establish that Congress believes there should be an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the creation of a multinational force that can facilitate and protect delivery of humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza. She also cosponsored another amendment to the 2026 NDAA that would establish formal Congressional recognition of the hunger crisis amongst Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

In addition to Sen. Cantwell, the letter is cosigned by Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Patty Murray (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tina Smith (D-MN), Peter Welch (D-VT), Mark Warner (D-VA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Dick Durbin, (D-IL), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Jack Reed (D-RI), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Angus King (I-ME), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Gary Peters (D-MI), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).

To read the full text of the letter, click HERE.

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