The Department of Homeland Security announced that certain Lebanese nationals currently residing in the United States will be eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) protections.

Key Points:

• DHS is designating Lebanon for TPS for 18 months due to ongoing armed conflict in the region and temporary conditions preventing Lebanese nationals from safely returning to the country. Eligible individuals must have continuously resided in the U.S. since Oct. 16, 2024. Further details will be provided in a forthcoming Federal Register notice.
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services published a Federal Register notice establishing procedures for Lebanese nationals covered by DED, granted by President Biden in July, to apply for employment authorization documents valid through Jan. 25, 2026.
• DHS also published a Special Student Relief Notice for F-1 nonimmigrant students who are Lebanese nationals. Eligible students may request employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session and reduce their course load while maintaining F-1 status during the DED designation period.

Additional Information: Approximately 11,000 Lebanese nationals are expected to be eligible for TPS and DED, and approximately 1,740 F-1 nonimmigrant students from Lebanon may be eligible for Special Student Relief.

BAL Analysis: BAL will continue following this matter and will provide updates as they become available.