Biden Administration announces Temporary Protected Status and Deferred Enforced Departure for Lebanese Nationals

Immigration Updates

On October 17, 2024, the Biden Administration announced that certain Lebanese nationals in the United States will be able to apply for Deferred Enforced Departure (“DED”) and Temporary Protected Status (“TPS”)—two forms of temporary relief in the United States that protect eligible individuals from being removed to Lebanon at this time. The decision to permit these temporary forms of protection comes at the administration’s recognition that there is “ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Lebanon that prevent nationals of Lebanon from returning in safety.” See here for the announcement by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”).

As for DED, Lebanese nationals present in the United States as of July 26, 2024 (subject to some eligibility exceptions) will not be removed to Lebanon for a period of 18 months—until January 25, 2026. Such eligible individuals can also apply for a work permit in the United States during this time. Please see here for the initial announcement from July 26, 2024, and here for the Federal Register notice implementing the procedures for applying for a DED-based work permit.

As for TPS, Lebanese nationals present in the United States as of October 16, 2024 may apply for TPS which, similar to DED, is a form of temporary protection from removal from the United States. The designation of Lebanon for TPS is expected to last for 18 months as of October 16, 2024, but may be extended in the future based on DHS’s assessment of country conditions in Lebanon at that time. As part of the TPS application, eligible individuals will also be able to submit applications for a work permit and for a travel authorization document, the latter of which allows individuals granted TPS to travel internationally and reenter the United States while maintaining their TPS status. A Federal Register notice regarding the implementation of this TPS program is forthcoming.