The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has made an important announcement regarding the Employment Authorization Procedures for Palestinians Protected by Deferred Forced Departure. This measure aims to provide support to foreign citizens who are unable to return to their country and need assistance to work and develop in the United States.
Protected Palestinians will now have the opportunity to apply for employment authorization documents, allowing them to legally work in the US until at least August 13, 2025. To be eligible for this benefit, individuals must have entered the country before February 14, 2024, possess a passport or identification card issued by a Palestinian authority, submit a formal request using Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and pay a fee of $470.
USCIS has stated that it will review each application in a fair and efficient manner to determine eligibility. The agency has also improved response times for individuals with Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) status who have applied for an Employment Authorization Document, with the goal of streamlining the process for Palestinians as well.
In addition to this employment benefit, USCIS has announced that certain regulatory requirements will be suspended for non-immigrant Palestinian students in the US on an F-1 visa. This will allow eligible students to apply for employment authorization and work more hours, even if it means reducing their course load, as long as they maintain their student status.
The crisis in Palestine has led USCIS to expand work permits, providing valuable opportunities for both working individuals and students in the Palestinian community residing in the United States.