Deferred Enforced Departure

last updated on 01/08/2025

Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) is a benefit authorized by the President of the United States that protects certain individuals from deportation and allows them to live and work in the United States for a designated period of time. DED is not an immigration status and there is no application process for DED itself. DED is currently authorized for the following countries/regions: Palestine, Liberia, Lebanon, and Hong Kong. See more information below.

The federal government allows DED beneficiaries to apply for work permits in the United States. Please visit the country-specific USCIS webpages linked below for more information on how to obtain work authorization as a DED beneficiary.

Immigrant New Yorkers can call NYC's immigration services hotline at 800-354-0365 between 9am - 6pm, Monday through Friday, to access a range of City-funded immigration legal help.

Staten Island residents may contact the Staten Island Legal Services hotline at 917-661-4500 to speak to an intake officer in any language, Monday through Friday, from 9:30am to 4pm.

Palestinian DED

On February 14, 2024, President Biden issued a memorandum granting DED for Palestine for 18 months. On April 12, 2024, the administration announced eligible Palestinians could begin applying for work permits. The announcement is applicable to eligible individuals who were present in the U.S. on February 14, 2024 and meet the eligibility criteria for DED.

View our English and Arabic announcements for more information.

Liberian DED

On June 28, 2024, President Biden issued a memorandum extending DED and employment authorization through June 30, 2026, for eligible individuals who are present in the U.S. and were covered under DED for Liberia as of June 30, 2024. The memorandum also expands DED to certain Liberians who have been continuously physically present in the U.S. since May 20, 2017 OR are applying/have applied for a green card through the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF) program. Please visit the USCIS Liberia webpage on Liberian DED for more information.

DED for Liberia - English Flyer (updated 7/20/2024)
DED for Liberia - Liberian English Flyer (updated 7/20/2024)

Hong Kong DED

On August 5, 2021, President Biden issued a memorandum granting DED and work authorization to certain Hong Kong residents for a period of 18 months. Please visit the USCIS Hong Kong webpage on Hong Kong DED for more information.

Lebanon DED

TPS for Lebanon has been designated starting November 27, 2024. Applicants can register between November 27, 2024- May 27, 2026. This notice also provides the ability to apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) of beneficiaries of TPS, through the initial 18-month registration period until May 27, 2026.