What is Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Palestinians?
On February 14, 2024, President Biden announced a significant memorandum granting Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to certain Palestinians residing in the U.S. This protection effectively postpones the removal of these individuals from the country until August 13, 2025. It’s crucial to note that this applies only to Palestinians who were in the U.S. at the time of the announcement. Anyone entering the U.S. after this date is not eligible for DED.
How Can Eligible Palestinians Apply for Employment Authorization?
Following this directive, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has laid out a clear procedure for these individuals to apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). To support their application, eligible Palestinians can use a Palestinian Authority passport or identification card as acceptable documentation. The EADs granted under this scheme will be valid until August 13, 2025.
Interested parties should complete and submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. It’s important to visit the USCIS official webpage for further instructions and details about the application fees associated with the DED-based EADs.
What Are the Processing Times and Adjudication Standards for These EADs?
USCIS emphasizes that each application for an EAD is assessed on a case-by-case basis. The evaluation is conducted fairly and humanely to ensure all standards and eligibility criteria are met. Over the past year, USCIS has successfully reduced the processing times for EAD applications and has improved the efficiency of their adjudication processes.
Special Provisions for Palestinian F-1 Nonimmigrant Students
Alongside the DED announcement, there’s a Special Student Relief notice specifically for Palestinian F-1 nonimmigrant students. This is particularly beneficial as it allows eligible students to request employment authorization, work more hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while still maintaining their F-1 status through the DED period.
What Should Palestinians Know About Traveling Outside the U.S.?
Palestinians covered under DED who wish to travel outside the United States must take an additional step by filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. This form is crucial for those intending to leave and return to the U.S. without jeopardizing their DED status.
Conclusion
This provision is a significant acknowledgment of the unique circumstances faced by Palestinians in the United States. By allowing eligible Palestinians to obtain Employment Authorization and providing special considerations for students, the U.S. is offering vital support to an often vulnerable population. For precise details and updates, individuals are encouraged to consult the official USCIS website and closely follow the application guidelines as stated in the Federal Register.
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Glossary of Immigration-Related Terms
- Deferred Enforced Departure (DED): A discretionary measure authorized by the President of the United States to protect certain foreign nationals from removal. Unlike Temporary Protected Status (TPS), DED does not require a legislative basis and can be implemented through a presidential directive. It temporarily shields eligible individuals from deportation and allows them the opportunity to work in the U.S.
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD): A permit that allows non-U.S. citizens to work legally in the United States. The EAD is also known as a work permit and is issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): A component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), USCIS is responsible for managing the nation’s immigration and naturalization system, including the processing of various immigration applications and petitions.
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Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization): A form used by noncitizens to request an EAD from USCIS. Completion and submission of this form are required to obtain legal work authorization under various immigration statuses.
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Palestinian Authority Passport: A travel document issued by the Palestinian Authority to its citizens. For immigration purposes in the U.S., it can serve as proof of nationality and identity.
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Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document): This form is submitted to USCIS by individuals who plan to travel internationally and return to the U.S. while maintaining specific immigration statuses. It is vital for individuals under DED seeking to preserve their status after temporary travel abroad.
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F-1 Nonimmigrant Status: A visa classification for academic students enrolled in full-time educational programs in the U.S. Holders of F-1 status must maintain a full course of study and are subject to various restrictions, including limits on employment.
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Special Student Relief (SSR): Provisions that can be applied during emergent situations (such as natural disasters or political unrest in a student’s home country) that provide regulatory relief for F-1 students from specific regions, allowing them to maintain status under altered conditions such as reduced course load or increased work hours.
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Adjudication: The process by which USCIS reviews and makes decisions on applications and petitions. Adjudication involves assessing the eligibility and credibility of each application on a case-by-case basis according to U.S. immigration laws and regulations.
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Federal Register: The official journal of the federal government of the United States that contains government agency rules, proposed rules, and public notices. It is a vital source of information about the implementation and effects of immigration policies and provisions.
These definitions aim to enhance understanding of the specialized terms used in discussions on immigration, particularly concerning the context of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) and related employment and travel procedures for Palestinians in the U.S.
This Article In A Nutshell:
President Biden’s proclamation of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Palestinians in the U.S. defers their removal until August 13, 2025. Eligible individuals can apply for Employment Authorization Documents through USCIS, supporting documents like Palestinian ID are needed. Special provisions apply to F-1 nonimmigrant students. Travel requires Form I-131. Check USCIS for updates.
— By VisaVerge.com
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