President Biden has announced Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for certain Palestinians, blocking their removal from the United States for the next 18 months. This decision comes in response to the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Palestinian territories, particularly in Gaza. The DED order includes instructions for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to offer employment authorization to eligible beneficiaries, along with potential employment rule relaxation for Palestinian F-1 students. Details on the implementation of this directive will be outlined in an upcoming notice in the Federal Register. DED, a discretionary protection grant by the president, is not a specific immigration status but provides a temporary shield against removal for individuals meeting specific criteria. Eligible Palestinians present in the U.S. since February 14, 2024, are encouraged to apply for DED employment authorization following the forthcoming notice.

Source: Fragomen