How Lebanese can safeguard their status in the US

The International Ambassadors Union in the United States, headed by Lebanese national Dr. Graziella Saif, warned in a statement that the rapid developments in US immigration decisions at the start of this year have triggered widespread concern among Lebanese nationals with families and interests in the United States. The anxiety followed a decision to freeze the issuance of immigration visas for 75 countries, including Lebanon.

According to the statement, many Lebanese have found themselves facing serious questions about the legality of their stay in the United States and the risk of immediate deportation with severe penalties. This uncertainty was compounded by the expiration of a separate measure specifically granted to Lebanese nationals residing in the US under non-immigrant visas: Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). The DED program had provided protection for 18 months following the security events that took place in Lebanon in the summer of 2024, but officially expired on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

“In light of our commitment to Lebanon’s diaspora image, and in response to the urgent need to clarify alternative legal pathways following the large volume of inquiries we have received, we wish to reassure Lebanese citizens, and nationals of all other affected countries, by highlighting solid legal alternatives that can be pursued immediately,” the statement said. These measures aim to maintain lawful status until conditions stabilize and normal visa processing resumes.

The union stressed that the recent administrative decision to freeze certain visas is a temporary procedural suspension, not a revocation of rights acquired prior to its issuance. The freeze affects the processing of permanent residency applications (green cards), family reunification files, the Diversity Visa Lottery, and other programs leading from temporary to permanent residency. It does not, however, apply to other temporary visas, such as visitor, student, or work visas. The measure, the statement noted, is intended to shield the US state from unnecessary public burden while preparing stronger safeguards for those seeking long-term lawful residence.

To ensure continued lawful residence in the United States, with the right to work legally and protection from deportation penalties, the union issued the following recommendations:

- Lebanese nationals present in the US since before October 16, 2024, must immediately transition from the now-expired DED program and apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Registration for TPS remains open to Lebanese nationals until May 27, 2026. Applying promptly allows individuals to obtain a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD), prevents any legal interruption in employment, and protects against the accumulation of unlawful presence days that could affect future green card applications. It also shields employers from having to terminate employees to remain compliant with the law.

- Applicants should retain a copy of the TPS receipt notice (Form I-797C) as legal proof for employers or authorities in the event of any inspection.

- Lebanese nationals and all other affected nationalities, particularly those with sponsors, should immediately apply for Adjustment of Status, the only program that transitions applicants from temporary arrangements to permanent stability.

- Individuals holding temporary visas (visitor, student, work) who intended to convert their status to permanent residency through sponsorship may apply for Adjustment of Status to avoid accruing unlawful presence days, provided at least 90 days have passed since their lawful entry into the US, to avoid a conflict of intent between temporary stay and immigration.

- As applicants under these programs are legally protected, it is advisable to postpone travel outside the United States at this time to avoid unexpected administrative complications upon re-entry, even for those holding Advance Parole travel authorization.

- Since the latest decision focuses on “public charge” criteria rather than political considerations, all sponsored applicants and sponsors must update their 2025 tax filings and ensure income levels exceed the minimum thresholds required for sponsorship approval.

- All affected individuals should refrain from accepting any humanitarian assistance from governmental or non-governmental entities, regardless of the amount.

Regarding individuals affected by the decision who are currently outside the United States, whether in Lebanon or elsewhere in the diaspora, the union advised the following:

- Continue attending scheduled interviews at US embassies for all visa categories. While the stamping of permanent immigration visas remains suspended during the freeze, exceptions may be granted for urgent medical cases or humanitarian family reunification through expedited requests.

- Preserve visas that are not subject to the freeze, with strong encouragement for qualified individuals to adopt forward-looking planning based on excellence, whether through talent, professional skills, or academic credentials, to pursue visas that do not require a sponsor and allow future adjustment of status from within the US.

- Dual nationals residing abroad may submit or resubmit their applications based on their second nationality if it belongs to a country not included in the list of 75, provided the US embassy is informed to avoid documentation conflicts.

The union further urged all individuals, at every stage, to maintain clean legal, financial, and security records inside and outside the United States; to use the available time to strengthen their English proficiency; and to demonstrate sufficient financial self-sufficiency without reliance on US state assistance, whether in daily living or healthcare. This should be supported by updated documentation from the primary sponsor, or an additional joint sponsor if necessary, and proof of private health insurance coverage in the US upon application approval.

In conclusion, Dr. Saif reassured that Lebanon is not alone in this situation. She emphasized that strict adherence to accurate legal procedures remains the key safeguard for protecting rights, reaffirming her confidence in the Lebanese people and their diaspora as a positive and influential presence across the world.