Deferred Enforced Departure (DED)
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Key Benefits & Process
DED provides two main benefits: (1) protection from deportation during the designation period, and (2) eligibility for employment authorization (work permit) . There is no application form to obtain DED itself – you are either covered by the presidential directive or you are not, based on your nationality and continuous presence in the U.S. since a specified date . However, to receive a work permit, you must file Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) with USCIS. If you wish to travel outside the U.S. and return, you must file Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) for advance parole – leaving without advance parole will likely terminate your DED protection .
Current DED Designations (As of 2025–2026)
Liberia: DED extended through June 30, 2026. Eligible Liberians (or individuals without nationality who last resided in Liberia) who have been continuously present in the U.S. since May 20, 2017, are covered. EADs automatically extended through June 30, 2026 .
Hong Kong: DED extended through February 5, 2027. Eligible Hong Kong residents (regardless of country of birth) who have been continuously residing in the U.S. since January 15, 2025, are covered. EADs automatically extended through February 5, 2027 .
Lebanon: DED designated through January 25, 2026 (18-month initial period). Eligible Lebanese nationals present in the U.S. since July 26, 2024, may request employment authorization .
What We Handle at ZubaidaLaw
Our legal advocates help you determine if you are covered under a current DED directive, file Form I-765 for your work permit (Category Code A11 for DED), and apply for advance parole (Form I-131) if you need to travel abroad . We also assist with I-9 compliance for employers – DED-related EADs with Category A11 that have been automatically extended remain valid for work authorization . For Liberians, we also explore the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF) program, which provides a path to a green card. DED does not lead directly to a green card, but we help you identify any parallel pathways to permanent residence.
Call us at 865-382-2900 to determine if you are eligible for DED under current presidential directives and to obtain your work permit or travel authorization.
DED is a discretionary humanitarian benefit authorized by the U.S. President that protects certain individuals from deportation for a designated period. It is not a specific immigration status, but covered individuals are not subject to removal .
| Feature | DED | TPS |
|---|---|---|
| Authorized by | President | Secretary of Homeland Security |
| Application for status | No formal application | Form I-821 required |
| Work permit | Yes (Form I-765) | Yes (Form I-765) |
| Path to green card | No (generally) | No |
As of 2025–2026: Liberia (through June 30, 2026), Hong Kong (through February 5, 2027), and Lebanon (through January 25, 2026). Certain Palestinians may also be covered under specific directives .
No. There is no application form for DED itself. You are either covered by the presidential directive based on your nationality and continuous presence in the U.S. since a specified date. You only need to apply for work authorization (Form I-765) or travel authorization (Form I-131)
Yes. You must file Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) with USCIS. The category code for DED is A11. If your EAD has been automatically extended, you may show the expired card and the Federal Register notice to your employer
Yes, when the President extends DED, DHS may issue a blanket automatic extension of expiring EADs. For example, Hong Kong DED EADs with expiration dates of February 5, 2023, or February 5, 2025, are automatically extended through February 5, 2027 .
Yes, but you must obtain advance parole by filing Form I-131 before leaving. If you leave the U.S. without advance parole, you will likely lose your DED protection and may not be permitted to re-enter .
Generally no. DED is temporary and does not directly lead to lawful permanent residence. However, Liberians covered by DED may be eligible for a green card through the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF) program. We can help you explore all options
You are generally not eligible for DED if you: voluntarily returned to your home country after the designation date, have been convicted of certain crimes, or present a national security threat. Each presidential directive specifies its own exceptions .
Yes. We provide full notarization services for affidavits supporting your continuous residence, translations of foreign documents, and any other evidence needed for your Form I-765 or I-131 applications.
