It is about time our country finally took bold steps to protect its own. Recent events underscore how swiftly the White House can act when it recognizes a looming danger, and that is precisely what happened when the administration decided to freeze the approval of visitor visas for individuals coming from Gaza.

Here are the facts as we know them: Several young Gazan children arrived in the United States to seek medical care for severe injuries, including some who lost limbs and needed advanced orthopedic treatment. They were sponsored by a nonprofit focused on helping Palestinians find life-saving resources in American hospitals. Yet, once reports surfaced that these incoming flights might be linked to potential security risks, the administration wasted no time in stopping further applications until everything could be reviewed.

The so-called catalyst behind this move was a high-profile activist with a history of highlighting perceived Islamic extremism. She seized on social media posts showing Gazan children arriving in American airports. Despite the nonprofit’s public statements stressing that this was about medical support, questions emerged about whether the flights really were as harmless as claimed. The activist pointed out how easy it might be to funnel potential threats into the country under the guise of traveling for “treatment.”

Critics are quick to complain, pointing to disturbing photographs of kids in desperate need. They claim that if the children already passed multiple screenings by foreign and U.S. facilities, there is no legitimate threat. Some immigration advocates have insisted that those needing critical surgery pose no danger. Yet what these critics will not admit is how painfully often our generosity has been exploited. No matter how heartbreaking someone’s situation might be, we must always evaluate possible security risks. Our administration—thankfully—understands that you cannot gamble with people’s lives. Even the smallest crack in our immigration system is enough for opportunists to exploit.

Government officials have emphasized that the visa pause is temporary, noting that they will conduct a thorough review of the screening procedures. If every traveler is indeed squeaky clean, there should be no problem when the system restarts. But if it turns out that dangerous organizations have quietly been sending individuals, then this pause is not only justified but overdue. Ultimately, it is better to be safe than sorry.

The White House has likewise pointed to broader patterns of caution. Since returning to office, President Trump has renewed his emphasis on ensuring foreign visitors do not pose a threat. This has always been a significant piece of his platform: to put American citizens first. Under his watch, we have already witnessed travel bans and strict reorganizations of how we process visitors from regions where extremism can thrive.

Frankly, those outraged by this pause have the option to wait patiently. If the background checks are truly in order, then these children requiring treatment will find their way to a well-deserved recovery. There is no reason for any genuine patient to fail future steps in the screening process. At the same time, if cynics want to keep complaining, they’d do well to consider the security nightmares that would ensue if even one misguided approval led to violence on American soil.

Should we show compassion to kids who need care? Absolutely. But that compassion should never come at the expense of the American people’s safety. By blocking additional Gazan visitor visas while our nation double-checks the screening, the administration proves its dedication to protecting us from any potential infiltration. In a world fraught with threats, we must stand resolute. The lives of our children, too, are on the line.