10/17/2024 by USCIS
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced protections for Lebanese nationals in the U.S., including Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) and a new Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation. Secretary Mayorkas introduced an 18-month TPS designation due to armed conflict and temporary unsafe conditions in Lebanon, allowing eligible nationals to stay and apply for work authorization. Those who have been continuously residing in the U.S. since October 16, 2024, may apply for TPS, while those who arrived after that date are not eligible. More details, including how to apply for work authorization, will be available in a forthcoming Federal Register Notice.
On the same day, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) posted a Federal Register Notice outlining the procedures for Lebanese nationals covered by President Biden’s July 26, 2024, DED grant. These individuals can apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) valid through January 25, 2026, by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Each EAD application will be adjudicated on a case-by-case basis to ensure all eligibility criteria are met. More information on DED-based EADs is available on the USCIS website.
DHS also published a Special Student Relief Notice for F-1 students from Lebanon, allowing them to request work authorization, work more hours, and reduce their course load while maintaining their visa status during the DED period. Approximately 11,000 Lebanese nationals are expected to be eligible for DED and TPS, and 1,740 F-1 students may benefit from this relief.
