The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced new measures offering temporary immigration relief to eligible Lebanese nationals currently in the United States. These actions aim to provide temporary protections and work authorization to those who qualify under Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) and a newly designated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Lebanon.

Following interagency consultations, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has designated Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. This designation reflects the ongoing armed conflict and other extraordinary conditions in Lebanon that make it unsafe for Lebanese nationals to return home at this time.

Lebanese nationals (and individuals without nationality who last resided in Lebanon) who have been continuously residing in the U.S. since October 16, 2024 are eligible to apply for TPS. However, individuals who entered the United States after this date will not qualify. The TPS designation will allow eligible individuals to remain in the country while efforts are underway to promote stability and diplomatic resolutions along the Israel-Lebanon border.

Eligible Lebanese nationals will soon be able to submit their initial TPS applications, including requests for employment authorization. DHS will publish further details on the TPS designation and application procedures in an upcoming Federal Register Notice. Until the notice is officially published, individuals should wait before submitting their TPS applications.

DHS is also offering Special Student Relief (SSR) for F-1 nonimmigrant students from Lebanon, or for individuals without nationality who last resided in Lebanon. This relief will allow eligible students to request work authorization, increase their working hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load—while still maintaining their F-1 status during the DED period.

Through these actions, approximately 11,000 Lebanese nationals are expected to benefit from the combined protections of TPS and DED. Additionally, 1,740 F-1 students may qualify for the Special Student Relief offered under this program.

These measures reflect the U.S. government’s commitment to providing temporary protections and support to Lebanese nationals while Lebanon undergoes significant instability and conflict.