The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) decided Oct. 17 to offer Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 11,000 Lebanese individuals currently in the United States, a move applauded by U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI), Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee chairman.
“The concerning and rapidly changing situation in Lebanon presents a serious safety risk for the many Lebanese nationals who are currently in the United States,” Peters said Tuesday. “This announcement is very welcomed news. I pressed the administration to designate Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status to ensure that the nearly 11,000 workers, students and tourists will be able to remain safely in the United States and work legally to support themselves and their families during the ongoing conflict in the region.”
The TPS designation will be offered for 18 months. It applies to Lebanese nationals, and non- Lebanese nationals who last habitually resided in Lebanon, who have been continuously residing in the United States. Individuals who are approved will be eligible to work in the United States.
Peters sent letters in June and October urging the Biden Administration to create the TPS designation.
The administration authorized Deferred Enforced Departure for Lebanese nationals in the United States after Peters’ first letter.