Deferred Enforced Departure

last updated on 05/27/2025

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 MOIA Immigration Legal Support 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 representative in any language, Monday through Friday, from 9:30am to 4pm.

Palestinian DED

On February 14, 2024, former President Biden issued a memorandum granting DED for Palestine for 18 months  through August 13, 2025. 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. Please visit the USCIS webpage on Palestinian DED for more information.

Constituents who believe they meet the eligibility requirements should consult an attorney or accredited representative about next steps. 

View our English and Arabic announcements for more information.

Liberian DED

On June 28, 2024, former 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.

Constituents who believe they meet the eligibility requirements should consult an attorney or accredited representative about next steps. 

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

Hong Kong DED

On April 4th, 2025, DHS released the Federal Register Notice for DED for  Hong Kong that outlines the expansion and extension of DED for Hong Kong for two years. Eligible Hong Kong residents can remain in the United States and will have work authorization from January 15, 2025 through February 5, 2027. 

Constituents who believe they meet the eligibility requirements should consult an attorney or accredited representative about next steps. 

More information regarding DED Hong Kong can be found at the following USCIS website: https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/deferred-enforced-departure/ded-covered-country-certain-hong-kong-residents

Lebanon DED

DED for Lebanon has been designated by Presidential Memorandum starting July 26, 2024 through January 25, 2026. . This notice also provides beneficiaries of DED the ability to apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) through the initial 18-month registration period until January  25, 2026.

Constituents who believe they meet the eligibility requirements should consult an attorney or accredited representative about next steps. 

More information regarding DED Lebanon can be found at the following USCIS website: https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/deferred-enforced-departure/ded-covered-country-lebanon

TPS for Lebanon - English Flyer 
TPS for Lebanon - Arabic Flyer
TPS for Lebanon - French Flyer