U.S. Defers Deportation of Lebanese Citizens Due to Humanitarian Crisis

President Joe Biden announced an 18-month deferral for the deportation of certain Lebanese citizens citing deteriorating humanitarian conditions in southern Lebanon caused by tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. This measure permits these Lebanese nationals to stay in the U.S. with work rights.

President Joe Biden declared an 18-month deferral for the deportation of certain Lebanese citizens, citing the worsening humanitarian crisis in southern Lebanon due to ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.

The designation allows these Lebanese nationals to remain in the United States with the right to work, according to a memo sent to the Department of Homeland Security. "Humanitarian conditions in southern Lebanon have significantly deteriorated due to tensions between Hezbollah and Israel," Biden stated.

Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group, has been involved in violent exchanges with Israel, resulting in numerous casualties and extensive damage on both sides. The conflict, which escalated following Hamas's attack on southern Israeli border communities, has created a dire situation in Lebanese border towns, prompting this U.S. intervention.

(With inputs from agencies.)