AILA President Welcomes Announcement of Deferred Enforced Departure for Palestinians

Washington, DC –Late yesterday, February 14, 2024, the Biden Administration announced the implementation of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Palestinians and relief for Palestinian students in the United States given the continued turmoil. American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) President Farshad Owji responded to the news:

“The Biden Administration’s announcement that Palestinian nationals will not be forced to leave the United States during this time of conflict is a welcome first step in ensuring that individuals impacted by the Middle East conflict are not sent back to harm’s way or kept in harm’s way. DED will shield approximately 6,000 Palestinians currently in the United States from deportation for an 18-month period, giving them a sense of security that they will not be forced to return to a region still plagued by violence and unrest. Last year, AILA urged the administration to take comprehensive action to ensure the safety and security of all people impacted by the conflict in the Middle East, regardless of their faith or nationality. We will continue to advocate for the Biden Administration to take additional measures to protect all people whose lives are at risk during this conflict.”