The Biden administration announced Deferred Enforced Departure for certain Lebanese nationals for 18 months, effective immediately.

Key Points:

• Beginning immediately, the U.S. will defer the removal of Lebanese nationals who were present in the United States as of July 26, 2024, for 18 months, except individuals who:
  • Have voluntarily returned to Lebanon after July 26, 2024.
  • Have not consistently resided in the United States since July 26, 2024.
  • Are inadmissible under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
  • Have been convicted of a felony or two or more misdemeanors in the U.S.
  • Are subject to extradition.
  • Are considered a danger to public safety or whose presence posed potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the U.S.
• President Biden’s memorandum also directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to:
  • Take appropriate measures to authorize employment for deferred noncitizens for the duration of the deferral.
  • Consider suspending regulatory requirements with respect to F-1 nonimmigrant students who are Lebanese nationals.

Additional Information: In the memorandum, Biden said the move was prompted by conditions in southern Lebanon due to tensions between Hezbollah and Israel. “Humanitarian conditions in southern Lebanon have significantly deteriorated…many civilians remain in danger,” Biden said.