The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced new measures to provide temporary immigration relief to eligible Lebanese nationals currently in the United States and allow them the opportunity to apply for employment authorization. Included in today’s announcement are details related to Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Lebanese nationals, as previously announced in July, and the plan for a new Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Lebanon.
After consultation with partner agencies, Secretary Mayorkas announced a new TPS designation for Lebanon for 18 months due to the ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Lebanon that prevent nationals from safely returning. Those who are approved for TPS will be allowed to remain in the country while the United States is engaged in discussions to achieve a diplomatic resolution that will result in lasting stability and security on the Israel-Lebanon border.
Lebanon’s TPS designation will allow Lebanese nationals (and individuals without nationality who last habitually resided in Lebanon) who have continuously resided in the United States since October 16, 2024, to file initial applications for TPS, if eligible. Lebanese nationals who entered the United States after October 16, 2024, will not be eligible for TPS. More information about TPS, including how to apply for employment authorization, will be included in a Federal Register notice that DHS intends to publish in the coming weeks. Individuals should not apply for TPS under this designation until this Federal Register notice is published.
Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) also published a notice in the Federal Register setting forth the procedures for Lebanese nationals covered by President Biden’s July 26, 2024, Deferred Enforced Departure order to apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) that will be valid through January 25, 2026. As described in the Federal Register notice, eligible Lebanese nationals may apply for an EAD by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. USCIS adjudicates each EAD request on a case-by-case basis to determine whether the applicant meets all eligibility standards and criteria. More information about DED-based EADs can be found on the USCIS website.
DHS is also issuing a Special Student Relief notice for F-1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Lebanon, or persons without nationality whose last habitual residence was in Lebanon, so that eligible students may apply for employment authorization, work increased hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while continuing to maintain F-1 status during the period of the DED designation.
Approximately 11,000 Lebanese nationals will likely be eligible for DED and TPS as a result of these measures. There are also approximately 1,740 F-1 nonimmigrant students from Lebanon in the United States who may be eligible for Special Student Relief.
Fuente: USCIS
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