U.S. Offers Temporary Protection and Work Rights to 11,000 Lebanese Nationals Amid Lebanon Crisis

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced new measures to help eligible Lebanese nationals currently in the United States, allowing them to stay temporarily and seek work authorization. These measures include Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) and a new Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Lebanon. This decision comes in response to the ongoing armed conflict and difficult conditions in Lebanon that make it unsafe for Lebanese nationals to return home.

The new TPS designation for Lebanon will last for 18 months and applies to Lebanese nationals who have been residing in the U.S. since October 16, 2024. Those who qualify for TPS will be allowed to remain in the U.S. and can apply for employment authorization. The U.S. government is continuing to hold talks aimed at bringing lasting peace and stability to the Lebanon-Israel border. However, Lebanese nationals who entered the U.S. after October 16, 2024, are not eligible for TPS. More details on how to apply for TPS and work authorization will be available soon in an official notice from the Federal Register.

Additionally, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has outlined steps for Lebanese nationals covered under President Biden’s July 26, 2024, DED grant. Eligible individuals can now apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), which will be valid until January 25, 2026. These applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine if the individual meets all necessary eligibility criteria.

In a related move, DHS is also issuing a Special Student Relief notice for F-1 nonimmigrant students from Lebanon. This allows eligible Lebanese students to work more hours while school is in session, reduce their course load, and still maintain their F-1 student status during the DED designation period. These changes provide much-needed relief for students, allowing them to continue their education while managing the difficult circumstances caused by the situation in Lebanon.

In total, it is estimated that approximately 11,000 Lebanese nationals in the U.S. will be eligible for the DED and TPS programs. Additionally, about 1,740 Lebanese F-1 students could benefit from the Special Student Relief measures. These actions are part of the U.S. government’s efforts to support individuals affected by the ongoing crisis in Lebanon, offering them temporary safety and the opportunity to work while residing in the United States.