TPS for Lebanese Nationals

DHS Offers Protection for Lebanese Nationals Currently in the United States

On October 17, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Lebanese nationals (and individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Lebanon), allowing them to work and remain in the United States.

TPS is a temporary protection provided to nationals of specific countries who cannot return to their home country due to ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster or other extraordinary and temporary conditions.

Under the new TPS designation, Lebanese nationals, who have continuously resided in the U.S. since October 16, 2024, will be able to file initial applications for TPS if they meet the eligibility criteria. The protection offered by TPS is explicitly for Lebanese nationals who are residing within the U.S., and anyone who entered after October 16, 2024 will not be eligible.

Approved applicants will be permitted to remain in the U.S. for the next 18 months, during which they will receive protection from deportation. Individuals with TPS will also be permitted to work if they receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

Certain individuals with adverse immigration histories may not be eligible for TPS—eligibility and potential risk must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Further details on the eligibility criteria and how to apply, will be included in a forthcoming in a Federal Registrar Notice which DHS will publish in the next few weeks. We will continue to share updates as we learn them.

The announcement can be found here: DHS Offers Protections for Lebanese Nationals Currently in the United States .