This article was prepared with the assistance of ABIL, the Alliance of Business Immigration Lawyers, of which Loan Huynh, Fredrikson Immigration Department Chair, is a member.
On February 14, 2024, President Biden directed the Secretary of Homeland Security to grant Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to Palestinians in the United States for 18 months, with some exceptions. He further directed the Secretary to authorize employment for Palestinian noncitizens whose removal has been deferred for the duration of such deferral, and "to consider suspending regulatory requirements with respect to F-1 nonimmigrant students who are Palestinians." The Biden administration said it is taking these actions to give Palestinians in the United States a "temporary safe haven" due to deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
The memorandum lists exceptions to DED for Palestinians, including those who have not continuously resided in the United States since February 14, 2024, who have voluntarily returned to the Palestinian territories after that date, who are inadmissible under certain provisions of U.S. immigration law or subject to extradition, who have been convicted of any felony or two or more misdemeanors committed in the United States or who the Secretary deems a danger to public safety.
According to reports, about 6,000 Palestinians are eligible for DED under the memorandum.
