DHS Offers Protections for Lebanese Nationals in the U.S.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced new measures to temporarily provide relief to eligible Lebanese nationals currently residing in the United States, including work authorization eligibility. These measures include a new designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Lebanon for 18 months. The TPS designation is due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary conditions in Lebanon, which make it unsafe for Lebanese nationals to return. Lebanese nationals, or individuals without nationality who last resided in Lebanon, and who have been continuously present in the United States since October 16, 2024, may apply for TPS. Additional details, including work authorization eligibility and how to apply, will be provided in a forthcoming Federal Register Notice.

In a related action, DHS established procedures for Lebanese nationals covered by President Biden’s July 2024 Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) designation to apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). The EADs will remain valid through January 25, 2026, and applicants can file using Form I-765. DHS also published a Special Student Relief Notice for F-1 nonimmigrant students from Lebanon, enabling eligible students to request work authorization, increase their working hours while school is in session, and reduce their course loads while maintaining F-1 status during the DED period.

Approximately 11,000 Lebanese nationals are expected to qualify for TPS or DED, and around 1,740 Lebanese students may benefit from the Special Student Relief.

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