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 comes after Lebanese Americans advocated for this relief, meeting with White House officials and Vice President Kamala Harris’ team to address the issue. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced the designation for Lebanon for 18 months, allowing certain Lebanese nationals already in the U.S. to remain in the country.
The TPS designation for Lebanon is seen as an important step in providing protection for the Lebanese community in the United States. Michigan, where the Arab American community is a critical voting bloc, may see increased support for Harris due to this move. However, the community is also calling for humanitarian parole to be implemented for Lebanese citizens in addition to TPS. Michigan state Rep. Alabas Farhat praised the administration for the decision to grant TPS but urged for more support for those watching their loved ones suffer overseas.
Pressure from lawmakers, including Senators Gary Peters, Dick Durbin, and Ben Cardin, has also pushed the Biden administration to grant TPS to Lebanon. The senators highlighted the worsening humanitarian emergency in Lebanon as a reason for their request. Earlier this year, Biden had already granted temporary protections from deportation to Lebanese nationals in the U.S. through deferred enforced departure, allowing them to remain in the country for a period of time and to obtain work permits.
The Biden administration’s move to grant TPS for Lebanon is part of ongoing efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in the region, particularly in light of the ongoing Hezbollah-Israel military conflict. This decision reflects a commitment to providing temporary relief to Lebanese nationals who are unable to safely return to their home country due to armed conflict and other exceptional conditions. The administration is also working towards achieving a diplomatic resolution for lasting stability and security across the Israel-Lebanon border.
The TPS designation for Lebanon has been welcomed by the Lebanese American community in the U.S. as a vital form of protection for those who are already in the country. This decision may have political implications in states like Michigan where the Arab American community is influential. However, the community continues to advocate for further support, including the implementation of humanitarian parole for Lebanese citizens facing hardships overseas. The Biden administration has faced pressure from lawmakers to take action on this issue, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance for Lebanon.
