White House Designates Deferred Enforced Departure for Palestinians

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 15, 2024

Contact: Jason Lucas | jason.lucas@globalrefuge.org | 240-717-4421

Washington D.C. – President Biden has designated Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for 18 months for certain Palestinians currently living in the United States. DED holders will be protected from deportation and receive work authorization for the duration of the designation. The urgent need for the DED designation stemmed from the current Israeli-Hamas conflict, which began with the killing of more than 1,400 Israelis in October. Over a five-month span, 85 percent of Gaza’s population has been displaced and more than 28,000 Palestinians have been killed.

Approximately 6,000 Palestinians are expected to benefit from the designation that is scheduled to expire August 14, 2025. A coalition of civil and human rights organizations, led by Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), appealed to the Biden administration for the DED designation. Additional details about eligibility and how DED-eligible Palestinians can obtain evidence of work authorization will be included in the Federal Register. Global Refuge joined leading advocates in working with champions in Congress to advocate for the designation.

In response to decision, Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Global Refuge, said:

“The DED designation offers much-needed support and protection to Palestinians living in our country at a time when their homeland is going through so much tumult. The ongoing conflict makes returning unsafe for the foreseeable future, so this decision demonstrates the Biden administration’s commitment to our nation being a global humanitarian leader during times of crisis.”

“While we commend the Biden administration for taking action to provide a safe haven for a vulnerable population, we also call on the U.S. government to do everything in its power to mitigate the suffering of Palestinians, Israelis, and all affected by the war.”

“We urge the Biden administration to continue using measures like DED and Temporary Protected Status to protect vulnerable populations whose home countries are amid conflict.”

About us:

Global Refuge, formerly Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, is a nonprofit serving newcomers seeking safety, support, and a share in the American dream. For 85 years, we have welcomed those seeking refuge, upholding a legacy of compassion and grace for people in crisis. We walk alongside individuals, families, and children as they begin their new lives in the United States through our work in refugee resettlement, welcome and respite services for asylum seekers, economic empowerment and employment, and family unification for unaccompanied children. To date, we have served over 750,000 people from around the globe. At Global Refuge, welcoming newcomers isn’t just our duty — it’s an inherent part of our identity, rooted in our Lutheran heritage and inspired values, and serving as a testament to our unwavering commitment to those in search of refuge.