Washington: To clarify the ongoing confusion among Lebanese nationals, Dr. Graziella Seif, President of the United Ambassadors-at-Large for Global Integration - USA (of Lebanese origin), has issued an important statement as follows:
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, following the latest decision by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding the extension of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Lebanese nationals inside the United States, and the accompanying inaccurate interpretations by certain reporters to the Lebanese media-which imply that "the extension of protection was granted due to the current security situation in Lebanon and the danger of Lebanese returning home"-we urge all Lebanese nationals to pay close attention to the following details to avoid falling into legal violations:
The announced six-month extension (ending on November 27, 2026) is strictly a logistical and administrative extension of the provisions of the previous decision, rather than a reactive measure to current events. It was granted to provide the U.S. department with implicit time to complete the review of pending prior files following a huge transition phase after the newly appointed DHS Secretary assumed office.
Accordingly, we urge Lebanese nationals to note the following precise details:
- The latest decision has strictly extended the "provisions" of the previous program issued in November 2024, and did not extend its "validity date."
- This technical extension is exclusively designated for the category of individuals who had already applied and benefited from the program prior to May 27, 2026. Beyond this date, no one can submit any new application for protection from forced deportation, residency, or employment authorization under the aforementioned program.
- The only Lebanese nationals benefiting from the extension of these provisions are strictly those who were physically present in the United States as of October 16, 2024, and maintained continuous residence inside the U.S. until its issuance on November 27, 2024.
- There is no protection from deportation or special status allocated for Lebanese nationals who entered the United States after October 2024. To date, the U.S. administration has not considered current events a justification to open a new temporary protection program.
Consequently, Dr. Seif emphasized, "We reaffirm our previous directives outlined in our statement issued on May 26, 2026, which was fully published and circulated in the United States and by the Lebanese media. We request Lebanese citizens to review it thoroughly" to avoid the risk of forced deportation and its harsh legal consequences on families, recalling the following points:
1. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has explicitly demanded that Lebanese nationals covered strictly under this category work diligently to seek alternative, permanent legal pathways where possible.
2. Should that prove impossible, everyone without exception is required to remain fully prepared and maintain their Lebanese identification documents valid and ready at all times, anticipating the expiration of this temporary administrative grace period and a forced immediate return to Lebanon. This is crucial to avoid forced deportation penalties, which include a re-entry bar to the U.S. ranging from 3 to 10 years, completely disrupting any future immigration proceedings.
3. As for Lebanese nationals outside this specific category, upon the expiration of the original Temporary Protected Status program, their legal status reverts to what it was prior to October 2024, and they must make an immediate decision based on their individual circumstances.
In conclusion, the President of the United Ambassadors-at-Large, Dr. Graziella Seif, reminds everyone of the necessity to follow updates directly from official U.S. sources, emphasizing that seeking trusted legal counsel and pursuing regular, lawful channels remains the optimal and shortest path to achieve sustainable protection and guaranteed stability.