DHS Announces Temporary Immigration Protections
for Lebanese Nationals Amid Conflict

Photo credit: Patrick Baz AFP

Due to increased instability caused by the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah near the Lebanese border, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security ("DHS") announced new guidelines offering temporary immigration protections to eligible Lebanese nationals in the United States. These protections include a new Temporary Protected Status ("TPS") designation for Lebanon, Deferred Enforced Departure ("DED"), and additional support for F-1 non-immigrant student visas. Together, these guidelines will allow qualifying Lebanese nationals to remain and work in the United States.

Applicants for the new TPS protections must have been in the United States before October 16, 2024. Eligible applicants can also apply for employment authorization documents that will be valid until January 25, 2026 under President Biden's DED program. Additionally, DHS is also easing restrictions for Lebanese nationals on student visas who face "serious financial hardship," allowing them to work additional hours during the school year and take a lighter course load.

The registration window for President Biden’s DED program began on October 18, 2024, and will end on January 25, 2026, while the registration window for additional support for eligible F-1 non-immigrant students began on July 26, 2024, and will also end on January 25, 2026. Further details for these programs regarding eligibility, filing requirements, fees, supporting documentation, and other specifics, can be found in their applicable USCIS's Federal Register notices. For TPS protections, individuals will need to wait until the required Federal Register notice is issued before applying.

USCIS expects approximately 11,000 Lebanese nationals will qualify for eligibility for TPS and DED protections, while around 1,740 will be eligible for Special Student Relief.

References

• Sainato, Michael. “US grants temporary protected status to Lebanese nationals amid Israel war.” The Guardian, October 17, 2024. Link
• Barros, Aline. “US extends immigration protections to Lebanese nationals.” Voice of America, October 17, 2024. Link
• Implementation of Employment Authorization for Individuals Covered by Deferred Enforced Departure for Lebanon, 89 Fed Reg. 83901, October 18, 2024. Link
• Employment Authorization for Certain Lebanese F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Humanitarian Crisis in Lebanon, 89 Fed Reg. 83907, October 18, 2024. Link
• DHS Offers Protections for Lebanese Nationals Currently in the United States. USCIS, October 17, 2024. Link