The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recently taken measures to protect Lebanese nationals currently residing in the United States, according to a news release published on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) official website. This move comes in response to the devastating blast that occured in Beirut, Lebanon, on August 4, 2020.
DHS, under Alejandro N. Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, has decided to designate Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. This action is based on the conclusion that due to conditions resulting from the Beirut explosion, Lebanon is temporarily unable to adequately handle the safe return of their nationals presently in the United States. This TPS designation is effective from August 3, 2021, to March 3, 2023.
The TPS designation granted allows eligible Lebanese nationals (and individuals without nationality who last resided in Lebanon) who are already in the United States to file applications for Temporary Protected Status. USCIS encourages interested applicants to apply as quickly as possible within the 180-day registration period ending on February 28, 2022.
Secretary Mayorkas also announced the implementation of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for eligible Lebanese nationals. The DED offers protection from being removed from the United States for a designated period. This provision is valid for 18 months, from August 3, 2021, to March 3, 2023. Eligible individuals can also apply for an employment authorization document (EAD) during this period.
This new rule published in the Federal Register not only specifies eligibility requirements for TPS and the application process but also provides information about DED and related application procedures. It’s worth noting that individuals with certain criminal records or who pose a threat to national security are not eligible for TPS or DED.
These steps taken by DHS recognize the challenging conditions in Lebanon and exemplify the commitment of the United States to support Lebanese nationals during times of such adversities. Lebanese nationals in the U.S. who are eligible for these protections are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
As immigration professionals, staying updated about these changes will enable us to guide and provide the best advice to our clients effectively and in a timely manner.
This article is based on the news release by the USCIS. For complete details, please refer to the original release https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-offers-protections-for-lebanese-nationals-currently-in-the-united-states.
