DHS Offers Temporary Immigration Protection for Lebanese Nationals Amid Ongoing Conflict.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced new guidelines on Thursday that provide temporary immigration protection for certain Lebanese nationals currently in the United States. This decision allows eligible individuals to stay and work in the country amid rising conflict and instability in Lebanon.
The protections include Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) and a new designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Lebanon. Eligible Lebanese nationals must have continuously resided in the U.S. since October 16, 2024, to apply for TPS. Those who arrived after this date will not qualify. DHS plans to publish detailed application procedures for TPS and employment authorization in the Federal Register soon.
In line with President Joe Biden’s directive from July 26, 2024, DED will also be available for Lebanese nationals, enabling them to seek employment authorization valid until January 25, 2026.
The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) welcomed these “important measures” to protect Lebanese citizens from the ongoing conflict but urged the U.S. to stop supplying weapons to Israel that are being used in attacks against Lebanon.
Abed Ayoub, ADC National Executive Director, stated, “These protections from the Biden-Harris Administration are a much-needed reprieve for thousands of Lebanese nationals in the U.S. due to the war on Lebanon by Israel.” He emphasized the importance of ensuring that Lebanese nationals are not returned to dangerous situations.
Ayoub further noted, “The expansion of Israel’s actions into Lebanon has caused thousands of deaths and a humanitarian crisis affecting millions. The Biden-Harris Administration should implement an arms embargo on Israel and enforce a ceasefire.”
U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell from Michigan remarked that many Lebanese Americans live in fear for their families as the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon worsens due to escalating regional conflicts. “We have a responsibility to provide refuge to those seeking safety from disaster and conflict,” she said, expressing her long-standing support for TPS to ensure security for those in need.
Additionally, in response to Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah, DHS is easing regulations for Lebanese students on visas facing “serious financial hardship.” These students can now apply for work authorization, work more hours during the academic year, and take a lighter course load while maintaining their immigration status. Each case will be reviewed individually by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The combined actions of DED and TPS are expected to assist approximately 11,000 Lebanese nationals and about 1,740 eligible F-1 students seeking special relief measures.
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