Federal Agency Moves to Shield Thousands of Lebanese Nationals From Deportation

The United States has announced that temporary protections are being granted to Lebanese nationals currently residing in the country due to the Israeli incursion in Lebanon to eradicate Hezbollah. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that Lebanese citizens can stay in the U.S. for 18 months with work permits because of the ongoing conflict and temporary conditions in Lebanon. This protection applies to approximately 11,000 Lebanese citizens living in the country. Individuals approved for temporary protected status can remain in the U.S. while diplomatic efforts are made to achieve lasting stability and security along the Israel-Lebanon border. However, Lebanese citizens who enter the U.S. after October 16 will not be eligible for this status. The move comes following intensified conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, resulting in civilian casualties and a worsening humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee welcomed the announcement but called for the U.S. to cease providing weapons to Israel. Temporary protected status is an immigration measure offered to citizens of countries deemed unsafe for deportation. The U.S. government’s decision to grant temporary protected status to Haitian citizens earlier this year has also been under scrutiny. Israel recently targeted a Hezbollah commander in airstrikes in Qana and resumed strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs. Hezbollah has been accused of launching attacks on Israel, leading to ongoing conflict. Israel has also been engaged in conflict with Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist group based in Gaza, with reports of a key Hamas leader being killed by Israeli forces. Both Hamas and Hezbollah have long-standing support from Iran. The U.S. Department of State is advising Americans to leave Lebanon, which is currently categorized as a “Level 4 – Do Not Travel” destination. Please rewrite this sentence.

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