In response to President Joseph R. Biden’s recent designation of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for certain Lebanese nationals, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released an advance copy of a Federal Register Notice outlining the scope and implementation of this designation. The DED designation is effective for an 18-month period, commencing on July 26, 2024, the date of the President’s announcement, and concluding on January 25, 2026. Lebanese nationals covered by this DED designation are authorized to apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) valid through January 25, 2026, and may also apply for advance parole to facilitate travel authorization. Additionally, DHS has issued a related Federal Register Notice amending employment eligibility regulations for certain Lebanese nationals maintaining F-1 student status.

Concurrently, DHS has announced the designation of Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for a period of 18 months, citing ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Lebanon that render safe returns for Lebanese nationals unfeasible. This TPS designation enables Lebanese nationals who have continuously resided in the United States since October 16, 2024, to submit initial TPS applications, provided they meet all eligibility requirements. Further details regarding the TPS application process and related procedures will be disseminated in a forthcoming Federal Register Notice expected to be published in the coming weeks.