U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has unveiled a streamlined procedure for Palestinians covered by Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to obtain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) valid until Aug. 13, 2025. Following President Biden’s memorandum on DED for Palestinians issued on Feb. 14, 2024, certain individuals present in the U.S. are eligible for this relief, with entry after Feb. 14, 2024, rendering individuals ineligible. USCIS has detailed the criteria for eligibility and acceptable documentation, such as a Palestinian Authority passport or identification card, in a Federal Register notice. The notice also outlines instructions for applying for a DED-based EAD. USCIS assures fair and efficient adjudication of each EAD application, emphasizing its commitment to humane processing. Additionally, USCIS has issued a Special Student Relief notice for Palestinian F-1 nonimmigrant students to request employment authorization and maintain F-1 status during the DED period. Eligible Palestinians can apply for an EAD by submitting Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with no separate application required for DED coverage.
Source: USCIS
