Republican US House of Representatives member Ryan Zinke has prepared a bill that would prevent Palestinians from obtaining visas to the United States, and could pave the way for the deportation of Palestinians from the country.

Citing security reasons, Zinke submitted the bill to the House of Representatives, which would prevent Palestinian passport holders from entering the United States, and could lead to the deportation of Palestinians on entry visas.

Zinke - who served as Secretary of the Department of the Interior under former US President Donald Trump - claimed that he prepared the draft law - which he called the “Protection from Extremism Act” - to preserve the safety of American citizens.

Zinke said of the bill, which was signed by 10 Republican members of Congress, “Given the conditions and threats to our immigration system, and the past of terrorists abusing asylum and visa procedures around the world, the requirements in this bill are necessary to preserve "Safety of Americans."

If the law is enacted, the US Department of Homeland Security will prevent granting asylum to those who hold Palestinian passports.