Temporary Initiatives for Lebanese Nationals

On 18.Oct.2024, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a notice in the Federal Register offering more specifics on the implementation of the Biden Administration’s directive that authorized deferred enforced departure (DED) for 18 months for eligible Lebanese nationals. Effective 26.Jul.2024, Lebanese nationals covered by the DED are not subject to removal from the United States and may apply for an employment authorization document (EAD). This DED is scheduled to remain in place through 25.Jan.2026.

Deferred Enforced Departure (DED)

DED is an administrative stay of removal ordered by the president in case of potential danger or political instability, conflict, or other unsafe conditions, to allow a designated group of noncitizens to remain in the U.S. temporarily. Individuals covered by DED are not subject to removal for a designated period, and may apply for certain benefits, such as employment and travel authorization. Since DED is a directive not to remove (i.e., deport) certain individuals, rather than a specific immigration status, there is no DED application form required to obtain this basic DED protection. However, to obtain work authorization, eligible Lebanese nationals must file the application for employment authorization (form I-765).

General DED Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for DED and employment authorization under this category, an individual must be a Lebanese national who was present in the U.S. as of July 26, 2024. Individuals who have been convicted of any felony or two or more misdemeanors committed in the U.S., whose presence in the U.S. is not in the interest of the U.S., or who present a danger to public safety, are not eligible for DED.

TPS Designation Announced for Lebanon

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas also announced a new temporary protected status (TPS) designation for Lebanon for 18 months. Lebanese nationals who have been continuously present in the U.S. since 16.Oct.2024, can file initial applications for TPS after the DHS formally publishes a notice in the Federal Register. More information regarding TPS can be found in the MurthyDotCom InfoArticle, Overview of Temporary Protected Status (22.Nov.2023).

Relief for Lebanese National Students

The DHS also published a notice with details of special student relief for Lebanese students studying in the U.S. The special student relief suspends certain regulatory requirements and allows for increased work authorization for students experiencing severe economic hardship as a result of the war in Lebanon.

Conclusion

The U.S. supports the safety and well being of Lebanese nationals. The DED designation and other initiatives provide temporary relief for Lebanese nationals to remain in the U.S. and work during the ongoing war in their home country.

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