President Biden has issued an executive order halting the deportation of most Palestinian immigrants in the U.S. The decision comes in response to the months-long conflict in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas, which has created extremely dangerous conditions in the region. This move, which was demanded by Democratic lawmakers in Congress, is expected to protect several thousand Palestinians residing in the U.S. from deportation.
In his executive order, President Biden acknowledges the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the Palestinian territories, particularly in Gaza, since the terrorist attacks by Hamas militants on October 7th. He emphasizes that the ongoing conflict and Israel’s military response have resulted in the loss of thousands of Palestinian lives. The president states, “While I remain focused on improving the humanitarian situation, many civilians remain in danger; therefore, I am directing the deferral of removal of certain Palestinians who are present in the United States.”
To implement this directive, President Biden is utilizing a little-known presidential program called Deferred Enforced Departure (DED), which also grants beneficiaries temporary work permits. This program is derived from the president’s authority to conduct foreign policy and has been utilized by both Republican and Democratic presidents. The deportation relief for Palestinians will last for 18 months and will only apply to those already present in the U.S., excluding individuals convicted of serious crimes or considered threats to public safety. Additionally, those who voluntarily return to the Palestinian territories will no longer be eligible for the program.
Jake Sullivan, Mr. Biden’s national security adviser, has expressed that this move will provide protections for most Palestinians in the United States. DED is one of the ways administrations can safeguard immigrant groups from deportation without requiring congressional action. The Biden administration has also utilized another well-known policy called Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to offer deportation protections and work permits to migrants from crisis-stricken countries such as Afghanistan, Cameroon, Haiti, Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela.
The decision by President Biden to halt the deportation of most Palestinian immigrants has been met with praise from Democratic lawmakers. Congresswomen Pramila Jayapal and Jan Schakowsky issued a joint statement applauding this step and expressing their hope for further efforts from the administration to prioritize diplomacy, peace, and security in the Middle East.
Overall, President Biden’s executive order demonstrates his administration’s commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territories and prioritizing the safety and well-being of Palestinians residing in the U.S. This decision aligns with the administration’s broader approach of utilizing existing presidential powers to protect vulnerable immigrant communities. By leveraging programs like DED and TPS, the Biden administration aims to provide relief and temporary stability for individuals facing dire circumstances in their home countries.
