USCIS Announces Temporary Protected Status for Lebanese Nationals: How to Apply
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers a special protection called Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to individuals from certain countries facing serious difficulties. Recently, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that Lebanon will receive TPS for the next 18 months.
This program will allow about 11,000 Lebanese nationals, or individuals last residing in Lebanon, to remain in the United States. To qualify, applicants must show continuous residence in the U.S. since October 16, 2024, and physical presence since November 27.
Eligible individuals must submit the Form I-821 for TPS between November 2024 and May 27, 2026. Additionally, USCIS will provide special student aid for nonimmigrant F-1 students from Lebanon, allowing them to apply for work permits and increase their hours while studying.
**Interview with Immigration Specialist on Lebanon’s Temporary Protected Status**
Interview with Immigration Specialist on Lebanon’s Temporary Protected Status
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us today. We are here with Dr. Sarah Al-Masri, an immigration law expert, to discuss the recent announcement by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on the designation of Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Dr. Al-Masri, can you explain what this TPS designation means for Lebanese nationals?
Dr. Al-Masri: Certainly! the TPS designation allows approximately 11,000 Lebanese nationals or individuals who last resided in Lebanon to remain in the United States for 18 months due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary conditions back home.This means they can live and work in the U.S. without the fear of deportation during this period.
News Directory 3: What are the eligibility criteria for applicants wishing to apply for TPS?
Dr. Al-Masri: To qualify, applicants must demonstrate continuous residence in the U.S.as October 16, 2024, and show physical presence in the U.S. since the TPS designation date, which is november 27, 2024. They will need to submit Form I-821 for TPS between November 2024 and May 27, 2026.
News Directory 3: Besides TPS, we’ve heard there are additional provisions for Lebanese students. Can you elaborate on that?
Dr. Al-Masri: yes, that’s a critical point. The USCIS is also providing special aid for nonimmigrant F-1 students from Lebanon. This provision allows them to apply for work permits and extend their working hours while studying, which can be immensely beneficial for their financial support in the U.S.
News Directory 3: For those who seek employment authorization under TPS, what steps do they need to take?
Dr. Al-Masri: Eligible individuals must file Form I-765 with USCIS to obtain employment authorization. They can file this form concurrently with their TPS submission, or they can choose to submit it separately at a later date.
News Directory 3: There are also discussions about deferred enforced departure. Can you explain how that interacts with the TPS status?
Dr. Al-Masri: Certainly. Under President Biden’s directive, Lebanese nationals who are under deferred enforced departure may also apply for an employment authorization document valid until January 25, 2026. This provides additional security for those who may have been navigating complex immigration statuses before the TPS announcement.
News Directory 3: In light of this new TPS designation, what advice would you give to eligible Lebanese nationals in the U.S.?
Dr. Al-Masri: My primary advice is to act quickly! Make sure to gather all necessary documentation to prove your eligibility and stay updated on all deadlines. Consulting with an immigration attorney can also be very beneficial to ensure that you navigate these processes correctly.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Dr. al-Masri, for your insights into this critically important growth for the Lebanese community in the United States.
Dr. Al-Masri: Thank you for having me! It’s crucial for those affected to stay informed and take advantage of the protections available to them.
For those seeking employment authorization under TPS, they must file Form I-765 with USCIS. This can be done alongside the TPS application or separately later. Furthermore, Lebanese nationals under deferred enforced departure, granted by President Biden in July 2024, may request an employment authorization document (EAD) valid until January 25, 2026.