This article was prepared with the assistance of ABIL, the Alliance of Business Immigration Lawyers, of which Loan Huynh is an active member.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced several measures “to provide temporary immigration reprieve to eligible Lebanese nationals currently in the United States” and to allow them to request work authorization, including Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Deferred Enforced Departure (DED), and Special Student Relief.
Temporary Protected Status
DHS has designated Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months “due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Lebanon that prevent nationals of Lebanon from returning in safety.” Those approved for TPS will be able to remain in the United States while it is “in discussions to achieve a diplomatic resolution for lasting stability and security across the Israel-Lebanon border.”
The TPS designation will allow Lebanese nationals (and individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Lebanon) who have been continuously residing in the United States since October 16, 2024, to file initial applications for TPS if they are otherwise eligible.
USCIS said that more information about TPS, including how to apply for employment authorization, will be included in a Federal Register notice that DHS “intends to publish in the next few weeks. Individuals should not apply for TPS” until the notice is published.
Deferred Enforced Departure
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) also posted a Federal Register notice establishing procedures for Lebanese nationals covered by President Biden’s July 26, 2024, grant of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to apply for Employment Authorization Documents that will be valid through January 25, 2026.
Special Student Relief
DHS also announced Special Student Relief for F-1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Lebanon or who have no nationality and last habitually resided in Lebanon. Eligible students may request work authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session, and reduce their course loads while continuing to maintain F-1 status through the DED designation period.
USCIS said that approximately 11,000 Lebanese nationals will likely be eligible for DED and TPS. Approximately 1,740 F-1 nonimmigrant students from Lebanon in the United States may be eligible for Special Student Relief.
