Washington D.C. | www.adc.org | November 8, 2023 – Today, Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), along with over 100 lawmakers sent a letter to President Biden urging him to designate Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) and/or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Palestinians present in the United States.
Tens of thousands of ADC members from across the country contacted their Congressional members over the past three days demanding TPS for Palestine. In addition, ADC has been working closely with attorneys and community members from the Greater Chicago Area, and the office of Senator Durbin on this request. A broad coalition of over 30 partner organizations signed on to support the request. The letter was endorsed by over 20 Senators, and over 80 Representatives. A copy of the request can be found here.
Designating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and/ or Deferred Enforced Departure will provide humanitarian relief for Palestinians in the United States. TPS and DED designations offer short-term humanitarian relief to foreign nationals in the United States who cannot return to their homes due to environmental crises, armed conflict, or other extraordinary conditions. This request is in line with President Biden’s commitment to protecting Palestinians’ lives and his public statement condemning xeno-racism and islamophobia.
Abed Ayoub, Executive Director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) says, “We thank the leadership of Senator Durbin, Congresswoman Jayapal, and Congresswoman Schakowsky. Given the war on Gaza and the devastation, the granting of TPS and/or DED for Palestinians in the U.S. is necessary. We urge the administration to take quick action and grant this request so we can ensure the protection of Palestinians currently in the country.”
Later this week ADC will be submitting a formal request to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on behalf of a broad range of community partner organizations. If you or someone you know is in need of immigration help or support please contact the ADC Legal Department at [email protected].