ECNETNews, New York, NY, Thurs. Oct. 17, 2024: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has unveiled new measures designed to offer temporary immigration relief to eligible Lebanese nationals currently living in the United States. These measures include the implementation of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) and the designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Lebanon, allowing individuals the chance for work authorization and protection from deportation.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced that Lebanon will be granted an 18-month TPS designation in response to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary conditions in the region, rendering it unsafe for Lebanese nationals to return home. Individuals approved under this TPS designation will be allowed to remain in the U.S. during diplomatic efforts aimed at fostering stability and security along the Israel-Lebanon border.
To qualify for TPS, Lebanese nationals (or stateless individuals who last resided in Lebanon) must have maintained continuous residence in the U.S. since October 16, 2024. Those entering after this date will not be eligible. Further information on application procedures for TPS and employment authorization will be made available in an upcoming Federal Register Notice. DHS has advised applicants to await this notice before submitting their requests.
Additionally, Lebanese nationals who are covered under the Deferred Enforced Departure order announced on July 26, 2024, can now request Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) valid until January 25, 2026. Applications for EADs can be submitted via Form I-765, with each case to be evaluated individually by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
DHS has also introduced Special Student Relief for F-1 nonimmigrant students from Lebanon. This initiative will enable eligible students to apply for work authorization, extend their working hours during academic sessions, and modify their course loads while maintaining their F-1 status.
In total, approximately 11,000 Lebanese nationals are anticipated to benefit from the newly announced DED and TPS measures. Furthermore, around 1,740 Lebanese F-1 students in the U.S. may qualify for the Special Student Relief program.
These developments come as the U.S. intensifies its efforts to deliver humanitarian aid while diplomatic initiatives continue to seek a resolution to the ongoing regional conflict.
