Biden Postpones Deportation Of Lebanese Individuals Living In The United States

President Joe Biden has made the decision to grant protection to many Lebanese nationals residing in the United States, following pleas from several lawmakers. This move comes as the President focuses on de-escalating the situation and improving the conditions experienced by the people affected. President Biden stated that even though efforts are being made to mitigate the situation and provide humanitarian aid, many civilians still face significant risks. Consequently, he has directed the deferral of removal for specific Lebanese nationals who are currently present in the United States.

This decision applies to the majority of Lebanese nationals in the United States, with only limited exceptions. These exceptions include those who have been convicted of a felony or at least two misdemeanors during their time in the country.

One of the lawmakers, Representative Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), who advocated for the deferral of removal for Lebanese nationals, noted that approximately 11,500 individuals will be protected from deportation as a result of this action.

In certain circumstances, Temporary Protected Status can be granted to nationals from specific countries if the conditions within their home country prevent them from returning safely. This status is typically triggered by situations such as armed conflicts or environmental disasters like hurricanes. Once individuals are granted this status, they cannot be detained by federal agents based on their immigration status.

Due to the ongoing conflict and its consequences, the U.S. State Department has advised Americans in Lebanon to evacuate the country.

The lawmakers emphasized that the United States has a long-standing tradition of providing refuge to those facing catastrophic situations. They further stated that the current crisis in the Middle East, along with the complex crisis in Lebanon, presents an opportunity to honor this commitment by supporting Lebanese nationals during this time of dire need.