Washington, DC | www.adc.org | April 12, 2024 – Earlier today the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted a Federal Register notice establishing procedures for Palestinians covered by Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to apply for DED-based Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) valid through Aug. 13, 2025. The unpublished version of the notice can be read by clicking here.
On Feb. 14, 2024, President Biden issued a memorandum on DED for Palestinians deferring for 18 months the removal of certain Palestinians present in the United States at the time of the announcement and allowing for employment authorization. Palestinians who enter the United States after Feb. 14, 2024, are not eligible for DED.
Accompanying this announcement is a Special Student Relief notice for F-1 nonimmigrant Palestinian students so that eligible students may request employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while continuing to maintain F-1 status through the DED period.
On April 15, 2024, Palestinians who demonstrate eligibility for DED will be able to file Form I-765 to receive their EAD. When filing the Form I-765, an applicant must:
- Indicate eligibility for DED by entering “(a)(11)” in response to Question 27 on the Form; and
- Submit a completed and signed Form I-765, along with applicable fees to USCIS
Once the form is completed it needs to be submitted with supporting documents via courier mail to the USCIS Office in Chicago, IL. The mailing address and additional information will be posted on the USCIS website.
For more information, you can read the forthcoming publication here.