Nathan Stiefel Citizenship and Immigration Services Deputy Ombudsman | Official Website
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced measures to offer temporary immigration relief to eligible Lebanese nationals currently in the United States. This includes details on Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) and a new Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Lebanon.
Secretary Mayorkas, after consulting with interagency partners, declared an 18-month TPS designation for Lebanon due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary conditions that prevent safe return. Those approved for TPS can remain in the U.S. while diplomatic efforts continue to stabilize the Israel-Lebanon border. The TPS will apply to Lebanese nationals and stateless individuals who last resided in Lebanon, provided they have been continuously residing in the U.S. since October 16, 2024. Lebanese nationals arriving after this date are not eligible.
Further information about TPS applications and employment authorization will be detailed in a Federal Register Notice expected soon. DHS advises against applying until this notice is published.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has also released a Federal Register Notice detailing procedures for Lebanese nationals under President Biden's July 26, 2024 DED grant to apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), valid through January 25, 2026. Applications are assessed individually by USCIS using Form I-765.
Additionally, DHS is issuing a Special Student Relief Notice allowing F-1 nonimmigrant students from Lebanon or those habitually residing there to seek employment authorization, work more hours during school sessions, and reduce their course load while maintaining F-1 status during the DED period.
These actions potentially affect around 11,000 Lebanese nationals eligible for DED and TPS, along with approximately 1,740 F-1 students who may qualify for Special Student Relief.
