In a recent directive, US President Joe Biden has allowed Palestinian immigrants in the US to avoid deportation for 18 months. The directive places Palestinian immigrants under the provision of “deferred enforced departure,” a system aiming to serve as temporary sanctuary for those who qualify. However, it is important to note that this protection does not apply to individuals involved in felony convictions or regarded as public safety threats, nor to those who voluntarily return to their home country, as such actions would forfeit their deportation protections. This directive can be found here.
About 6,000 Palestinians are apt for deferred enforced departure, although the exact number remains unknown. This classification does not bestow a particular immigration status; conversely, it protects individuals from deportation based on factors put in place by the president. Comparable safeguards are currently in effect for individuals from Liberia and Hong Kong.
This move by the Biden administration comes after over a hundred Democrat lawmakers urged for the protection of Palestinians in the US to prevent them from being involuntarily sent back to unsafe conditions in Gaza due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The conflict led to an estimated death toll exceeding 28,000 people, with women and children making up two-thirds of the deaths.
This decision, albeit providing temporary relief, brings along concerns about its long-term implications. The deferred enforced departure’s dependence on presidential discretion could potentially lead to Palestinians becoming vulnerable once the initial 18-month period is over. In contrast, the “Temporary protected status” involves a structured evaluation process by the Department of Homeland Security before any protections can expire.
Apart from this, Biden’s administration also made other strides related to the Israel-Palestine dispute, which includes the implementation of sanctions on violent Israeli settlers in the West Bank. However, there is no indication of significant policy changes pertaining to US support for Israel amidst the war.
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