watan- Osama Abuirshaid, the prominent leader of American Muslims for Palestine, recently voiced his experiences and concerns regarding the US Visa Waiver Program. In a video shared on YouTube, Abuirshaid expressed, “Like many Palestinian Americans and Muslim Americans, I attempted to leverage the Visa Waiver Program.”
Currently, Israel is undergoing an evaluation phase to determine its eligibility for the program, which would allow its citizens visa-free travel to the US. Abuirshaid, along with a colleague, managed to gain admission. However, he highlighted several instances where individuals of Palestinian, Arab, or Muslim American descent faced challenges entering what he termed “occupied Palestine.”
Abuirshaid emphasized that Israel’s selection process should be unbiased, stating, “Israel should not have the authority to interrogate Americans about their political beliefs, religious ties, or reasons for their visit.” He further criticized the US for its perceived support and funding of the Israeli “occupation.”
In recent times, Abuirshaid’s organization has repeatedly advocated against Israel’s inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program. On August 25, the Americans for Justice in Palestine Action, affiliated with American Muslims for Palestine, urged the public to contact the White House and express their reservations about Israel’s potential participation in the program. Earlier that month, the groups organized an event titled “Legitimizing apartheid: Why Israel is not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program.”