The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced new actions to provide temporary immigration reprieve to eligible Lebanese nationals in the United States.
- Deferred Enforced Departure (DED): Lebanese nationals covered by President Biden’s July 26, 2024, grant of DED can apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) valid through January 25, 2026. Eligible individuals can apply for an EAD by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS): DHS is designating Lebanon for TPS for 18 months due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Lebanon that prevent nationals from returning safely. Lebanese nationals who have been continuously residing in the United States since October 16, 2024, can file initial applications for TPS if they are otherwise eligible.
- Special Student Relief (SSR): DHS is publishing a Special Student Relief Notice for F-1 nonimmigrant students from Lebanon. The notice allows eligible students to request employment authorization, work increased hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while maintaining F-1 status through the DED designation period.
- Federal Register Notice: A forthcoming Federal Register Notice will include more information about TPS, including how to apply for employment authorization. Individuals should not apply for TPS under this designation until the notice is published.
These measures aim to provide temporary relief and work authorization to Lebanese nationals in the U.S. while the U.S. works towards a diplomatic resolution to stabilize and secure the Israel-Lebanon border.
For more, see: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-offers-protections-for-lebanese-nationals-currently-in-the-united-states
