News Americas, New York, NY, Thursday. October 17, 2024: The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced new measures aimed at providing temporary immigration relief to eligible Lebanese nationals currently residing in the United States. These actions include Deferred Forced Departure (DED) and a new Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Lebanon, providing the opportunity for work authorization and protection from deportation.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas revealed that Lebanon will receive an 18-month TPS designation due to the ongoing armed conflict and exceptional conditions in the country, making the return of Lebanese nationals unsafe. Those approved under this TPS designation will be allowed to remain in the US while continuing diplomatic efforts for stability and security across the Israel-Lebanon border.
To qualify for TPS, Lebanese nationals (or stateless individuals who last resided in Lebanon) must have resided continuously in the US since October 16, 2024. Lebanese nationals who entered after that date will not be eligible . Details on how to apply for TPS and employment authorization will be published in a Federal Register Notice in the coming weeks. DHS has advised individuals to wait for notification before applying.
In addition to TPS designation, Lebanese nationals covered by President Biden’s Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) order announced on July 26, 2024, can now apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) valid until January 25, 2026 Applications for EAD can be submitted using Form I-765 and each case will be reviewed individually by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
In addition, DHS announced Special Student Assistance for F-1 nonimmigrant students from Lebanon. This relief will allow eligible students to apply for work authorization, increase their work hours during school sessions, and reduce their course load while maintaining their F-1 status.
In total, approximately 11,000 Lebanese nationals are expected to benefit from these DED and TPS actions. In addition, approximately 1,740 Lebanese F-1 students in the US may qualify for Special Student Assistance.
The moves come as the US works to provide humanitarian aid as diplomatic efforts seek a solution to the ongoing conflict in the region.
