This article was prepared with the assistance of ABIL, the Alliance of Business Immigration Lawyers, of which Loan Huynh is an active member.
On November 27, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security published a Federal Register notice designating Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. DHS initially announced the designation on October 17, 2024. The new notice provides information about how to register for TPS under this designation.
The designation allows an estimated 11,000 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, and have been continuously physically present in the United States since November 27, 2024, to apply for TPS if they are otherwise eligible.
Individuals who want to request TPS under Lebanon’s designation must submit Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, during the initial registration period that runs from November 27, 2024, through May 27, 2026. Applicants may also apply for TPS-related Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) and travel authorization. DHS noted that an applicant can request an EAD by submitting Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with Form I-821 or separately.
The Federal Register notice explains the eligibility criteria, timelines and procedures necessary to apply for TPS and for an EAD. On October 17, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services 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 EADs that will be valid through January 25, 2026.
Accompanying the announcement is a Special Student Relief notice for F-1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Lebanon, which enables eligible students to request employment 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 TPS designation period. The notice covers eligible Lebanese F-1 nonimmigrant students beginning on November 27, 2024, and ending on May 27, 2026.
