Deferred Enforced Departure

last updated 11/06/2024

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

On July 26, 2024, President Biden issued a Memorandum on the Deferred Enforced Departure for Certain Lebanese Nationals. This means, for the next 18 months, Lebanese nationals will not be deported to Lebanon, if eligibile. To qualify for Deferred Enforced Departure, individuals must have lived in the U.S., continuously, since July 26, 2024. Individuals who have voluntarily returned to Lebanon after July 26, 2024, will not be eligible. You cannot apply for a work permit just yet; applications can be submitted once the federal government provides further instructions. We will update this website and our social media when you can begin applying for a work permit. Please visit the USCIS webpage on DED for more information.