US gives Lebanese nationals protected status during Israel-Hezbollah conflict

The Biden administration has granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to approximately 11,000 Lebanese nationals currently living in the United States, the Department of Homeland Security announced Thursday, Oct. 18. The designation allows those eligible to remain and work legally in the U.S. for 18 months, provided they were present in the country as of Oct. 18 and meet specific criteria, such as having no disqualifying criminal record or immigration violations.

The decision comes amid escalating conflict in Lebanon, where Hezbollah has intensified attacks on Israel, further destabilizing the region.

DHS officials stated that TPS is intended to offer protection for individuals who cannot safely return to their home country due to ongoing armed conflict or other extraordinary circumstances.

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This move builds on the Biden administration’s earlier action of granting Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to Lebanese nationals, which also provided temporary protection from deportation and access to work permits. The new TPS designation expands these protections, allowing more Lebanese nationals to remain in the U.S. as the conflict continues.

In Michigan, home to a significant Arab American population, the decision has been welcomed by local leaders.

State representative Alabas Farhat called the TPS designation a critical step in providing protection and urged the administration to consider additional humanitarian measures for those still suffering abroad.

The current designation for Lebanese nationals is set for 18 months, during which the U.S. will continue diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region.