DHS Offers Protections for Lebanese Nationals in the United States
In a recent and significant move aimed at protecting vulnerable populations, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on October 17, 2024, that Lebanese nationals currently residing in the United States will be eligible for Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). Amidst the ongoing political and humanitarian crises in Lebanon, this temporary relief measure provides protection from deportation and grants employment authorization to eligible individuals.
What is the Deferred Enforced Departure (DED)
Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) is a discretionary and temporary form of humanitarian relief granted by the U.S. president. It provides protection from removal (deportation) and allows recipients to apply for work authorization while residing in the U.S. Unlike asylum or Temporary Protected Status (TPS), DED is not an immigration status that individuals can apply for independently. Instead, it is an administrative decision by the president aimed at addressing urgent humanitarian needs or diplomatic concerns.
With Lebanon facing ongoing instability due to the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, the U.S. government has recognized the potential risks to Lebanese nationals if they are forced to return to their country. By offering DED, the U.S. is providing a lifeline to individuals who may otherwise face dire conditions upon their return.
Protections and Benefits Under Deferred Enforced Departure
Certain Lebanese nationals who meet the criteria for DED will receive several important protections and benefits during the designated 18-month period.
- Eligible Lebanese nationals who were residing in the U.S. as of October 17, 2024, will not be subject to deportation for the duration of the DED designation. This provides significant relief to those who may have been at risk of removal due to their immigration status.
- Lebanese nationals under DED can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), allowing them to legally work in the U.S. during the designated period. The ability to work is a critical component of DED, as it enables individuals to support themselves and their families while residing in the U.S.
- To qualify for DED, individuals must have been continuously residing in the U.S. since October 17, 2024. Individuals who leave the U.S. after this date or have not maintained continuous residence may be ineligible for the program.
Eligibility and Exclusions of Deferred Enforced Departure
While DED provides important protections, not all Lebanese nationals in the U.S. will qualify. The program has specific eligibility criteria, and certain categories of individuals are excluded from receiving DED protections.
Individuals may be exempted from DED if –
- Have voluntarily returned to Lebanon or traveled outside of the U.S. after the designated date;
- Have been convicted of a felony or two or more misdemeanors in the U.S;
- Are subject to extradition or removal under provisions of U.S. law;
- Pose a threat to U.S. national security or public safety;
- Are deemed inadmissible based on certain provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
The DHS will continue to provide updates and guidance on specific eligibility criteria and the application process for employment authorization under DED.
Impact of DED and Future Developments
This move by the Biden administration reiterates the importance of humanitarian relief in U.S. immigration policy. By offering protections to Lebanese nationals, the U.S. is not only addressing the immediate risks faced by individuals from Lebanon but also reinforcing its commitment to global humanitarian efforts.
What’s Next – DHS Offers Protections for Lebanese in US
The DHS’s decision to offer DED to Lebanese nationals is a critical step in providing temporary protection and employment opportunities to individuals affected by the ongoing crisis in Lebanon. Lebanese nationals residing in the U.S. are encouraged to stay informed about the eligibility requirements, application process for employment authorization, and any future updates from the DHS.
