CNN

Lebanese nationals in the US will be granted humanitarian relief

Oct 17, 2024, 4:55 PM

A person holds a small flag of Lebanon during a candlelight vigil in Dearborn, Michigan. (Dominic G...

A person holds a small flag of Lebanon during a candlelight vigil in Dearborn, Michigan. (Dominic Gwinn/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty Images via CNN Newsource)

(Dominic Gwinn/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty Images via CNN Newsource)

(CNN) Lebanese nationals residing in the United States will be granted a form of humanitarian relief, the Department of Homeland Security announced Thursday, citing ongoing armed conflict and conditions in Lebanon.

The Biden administration’s move to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Lebanon in light of the ongoing Hezbollah-Israel military conflict comes after Lebanese Americans urged both the administration and Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign to take this action.

White House officials have met with Lebanese Americans at least twice over the course of recent weeks, and there have been multiple virtual meetings and phone calls between Lebanese Americans and officials on VP Harris’ team where this issue has been raised, two Lebanese Americans familiar with the exchanges told CNN. Some of those engagements happened as recently as earlier this week.

On Thursday, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced the designation for Lebanon for 18 months “due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Lebanon that prevent nationals of Lebanon from returning in safety.” The protections apply for certain Lebanese nationals already in the United States.

“Those approved for TPS will be able to remain in the country while the United States is in discussions to achieve a diplomatic resolution for lasting stability and security across the Israel-Lebanon border,” the department’s announcement reads.

In Michigan – where the Arab American community is a critical voting bloc – this move could boost Harris’ support, the Lebanese Americans familiar with the exchanges said. Still, the community is urging the administration to also implement humanitarian parole for Lebanese citizens as well.

“Today’s announcement of TPS for Lebanon is welcomed news. This is an important step in providing protection for many in our community, and I commend the administration for this decision,” Michigan state Rep. Alabas Farhat told CNN. “TPS will allow us to protect Lebanese nationals who are already in the United States. However, people in my district are still watching their loved ones die overseas. I urge this administration to also implement humanitarian parole for Lebanese citizens.”

The Biden administration has also faced pressure to make this move from lawmakers. In an October letter addressed to President Joe Biden, Sens. Gary Peters, Dick Durbin, and Ben Cardin requested that Lebanon be designated for TPS because of what they described as a worsening humanitarian emergency. They issued a similar request in June.

Earlier this year, Biden granted Lebanese nationals in the United States temporary protections from deportation. The president has the discretion to authorize what’s known as deferred enforced departure, which protects those covered from removal from the US for a period of time. Those who qualify are also eligible for work permits.

KSL 5 TV Live

CNN

Palestinians walk in the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Jabaliya, Ga...

Lucas Lilieholm, Michael Schwartz and Helen Regan, CNN

Israel backs Trump plan and orders military to prepare for Palestinians to leave Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has backed US President Donald Trump’s proposal to “take over” Gaza.

1 day ago

US Navy recovery teams lift the back wing section of American Airlines Flight 5342 from the Potomac...

Andy Rose, CNN

Latest radar evidence suggests Black Hawk in DC disaster was flying too high, but NTSB wants more proof

Newly released data from ground-based radar came out Tuesday suggesting an Army helicopter was flying higher than it was supposed to be when it collided with American Airlines Flight 5342 a week ago, killing all 67 people aboard both aircraft.

2 days ago

FILE - U.S. Postal Service trucks park outside a post office in Wheeling, Ill., Monday, Jan. 29, 20...

Eric Cheung and Ramishah Maruf, CNN

US Postal Service suspends incoming parcels from China and Hong Kong

The US Postal Service says it has temporarily suspended the acceptance of incoming international parcels from China and Hong Kong until further notice.

3 days ago

Fans booing as the US national anthem is sung before the Vancouver Canucks and Detroit Red Wings pl...

Ben Church, CNN

Toronto Raptors fans continue trend of booing US national anthem after Trump imposes tariffs on Canada

Supporters at an NBA game between the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers continued the trend of Canadian sports fans booing the US national anthem on Sunday, a day after Donald Trump announced tariffs on Canada.

4 days ago

First responders work the scene after a plane crash in Philadelphia, on Friday. (Matt Rourke/AP via...

CNN

7 dead, including 1 on ground, after a medevac jet with a child patient and her mother crashes in Philadelphia, mayor says

Seven people are dead after a medevac jet carrying a child patient and her mother crashed in a neighborhood in Philadelphia Friday night.

5 days ago

FBI Director Christopher Wray speaks to journalists at the Omaha FBI office on Wednesday, Aug. 10, ...

Evan Perez and Zachary Cohen, CNN

Senior FBI leaders ordered to retire, resign or be fired by Monday

At least six senior FBI leaders have been ordered to retire, resign, or be fired by Monday, according to sources briefed on the matter.

8 days ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Lebanese nationals in the US will be granted humanitarian relief