The Department of Homeland Security announced that Lebanese nationals residing in the United States will be granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) due to ongoing armed conflict and conditions in Lebanon. This decision follows lobbying efforts from Lebanese Americans and meetings with White House officials, including Vice President Kamala Harris’ team. The designation will last for 18 months and will allow certain Lebanese nationals to remain in the United States while diplomatic discussions take place to achieve stability and security in the region.
The move to grant TPS for Lebanon is seen as an important step by the Lebanese American community, particularly in Michigan where the Arab American population is a critical voting bloc. While the community welcomes this decision, they are also urging the administration to implement humanitarian parole for Lebanese citizens in addition to TPS. Michigan state Rep. Alabas Farhat commended the administration for the decision but noted that people in his district are still facing hardships and urged for additional support.
Lawmakers, including Senators Gary Peters, Dick Durbin, and Ben Cardin, have also pushed for Lebanon to be designated for TPS due to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the country. This request was made in both October and June of this year, highlighting the growing concerns about the ongoing crisis in Lebanon. The Biden administration has also previously granted temporary protections to Lebanese nationals in the form of deferred enforced departure, allowing them to stay in the US for a certain period and obtain work permits.
The TPS designation for Lebanon is aimed at providing humanitarian relief to Lebanese nationals who are already in the United States and are unable to return to their home country safely due to the ongoing conflict. This decision comes after extensive advocacy efforts from the Lebanese American community and lawmakers, as well as multiple meetings with White House officials. While the designation is seen as a positive step, there are still calls for additional support measures, such as humanitarian parole, to be implemented for Lebanese citizens.
The Biden administration’s announcement of TPS for Lebanon is a significant development for the Lebanese American community and reflects ongoing efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. By granting temporary protections to Lebanese nationals in the US, the administration is providing a lifeline to those who are unable to return home due to the conflict. The move has been praised by community leaders and lawmakers who have been advocating for relief measures for Lebanon for several months.
Overall, the decision to grant TPS for Lebanon demonstrates the Biden administration’s commitment to addressing the ongoing crisis in the region and providing support to those affected by the conflict. The move has been met with approval from the Lebanese American community, lawmakers, and advocacy groups who have been working tirelessly to raise awareness about the situation in Lebanon. While this designation is a step in the right direction, there is still a need for continued support and advocacy to ensure the well-being of Lebanese nationals both in the US and abroad.
