Family Reunification and the Citizenship and Entry Law
Jerusalem24 – The Citizenship and Entry into Israel Law was designed to introduce curbs on the immigration of Palestinians from the occupied territories into Israel proper. It does this through denying legal status under Israeli citizenship and residency laws. The Israeli government claims that the immigration of Palestinians through marriage generated an increased security risk. It also prevented Palestinians moving from one region to another.
When Palestinians from different areas get married, their troubles only begin. From registering the marriage, to getting birth certificates for the children. The process of visiting your in-laws can become a journey through Israel’s bureaucracy that can decide if you are allowed or not to see your in-laws.
“The problem is that Israel does not recognize family reunification as a basic right,” says Jessica Montell the Director of HaMoked – Center for the Defense of the Individual. According to her, in the past Israel has accepted family reunification applications as a diplomatic move or a sign of good will rather than recognizing that these people have rights.
People often marry to others living geographically close. But in the West Bank and Jerusalem, somebody living down the road can have a different kind of ID.
In this episode of Wake Up Palestine, the Director of HaMoked – Center for the Defense of the Individual Jessica Montell tells us about the current situation of the Citizenship and entry law. The repercussions of that on Palestinians and what could be done about it.