The Trump administration began with a flurry of executive orders, declarations, and Congressional actions affecting immigration policy and immigrants. Within hours of the inauguration, refugee admissions were suspended, and asylum applications at the southern border were halted. Those actions were quickly followed by an order that tried to prohibit birthright citizenship for children born in the United States to parents who are undocumented or who are here on temporary work, student, or tourist visas. These actions have stoked fear in many of our clients and immigrant and refugee communities nation-wide. 

Lawsuits challenging some of these actions have already been filed. The first ruling came on January 23 in one of multiple lawsuits challenging the restriction of birthright citizenship. Minnesota, represented by Attorney General Keith Ellison, is one of the states joining in the challenges. U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour issued a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration order restricting birthright citizenship, calling it “blatantly unconstitutional.” 

Our community of immigrants, their family members, and allies are not the only ones under attack. Other orders have targeted the LGBTQIA+ community, especially transgender people; have trashed sixty-year-old civil rights rules; and have promoted investigations of state and local officials who protect immigrants.  

The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota condemns the inhumane and racist actions of the Trump administration. We will continue to defend the rights of immigrants and refugees and oppose policies and actions that harm those communities. We affirm our commitment to recognizing the dignity and humanity of all people and protecting our immigrant communities.  

Fact Sheet: Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Lebanon 

This fact sheet is current as of 12.12.24. It is not legal advice. 

On October 17, 2024, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a new Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Lebanon for 18 months. More information about TPS will be available in a forthcoming Federal Register Notice (FRN). Procedures have been established for Lebanese nationals, covered by President Biden’s July 26, 2024 grant of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED), to apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) that will be valid through January 25, 2026. Information about DED is available in the FRN. 

What is temporary protected status (TPS)?  

The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grants TPS to individuals from designated countries who are unable to return home safely due to conditions or circumstances in their home countries.  

During the designated TPS period, TPS holders are allowed to live in the United States and cannot be detained by DHS just based on their immigration status. TPS holders are eligible to apply for an EAD and for travel authorization.  

What is DED?  

Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) is a discretionary protection status.  

DED recipients are protected from deportation and are allowed to obtain work permits. DED does not provide a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship. DED is authorized under the president’s constitutional discretion to conduct foreign affairs. There is no statutory authorization. Only the president can extend or terminate DED. 

 

TPS 

What does the designation of TPS for Lebanon mean? 

This designation means that those approved for TPS will be able to remain in the country while the United States is in discussions to achieve a diplomatic resolution for lasting stability and security across the Israel-Lebanon border. The designation of Lebanon for TPS will allow Lebanese nationals (and individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Lebanon) who have been continuously residing in the United States since October 16, 2024 to file initial applications for TPS, if they are otherwise eligible. Lebanese nationals who entered the United States after October 16, 2024 will not be eligible for TPS. 

More information about TPS, including how to apply for employment authorization, will be included in a forthcoming FRN which DHS will publish soon. Individuals should not apply for TPS under this designation until the FRN is published. 

How do I apply for TPS? 

People interested in TPS must file an application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and pay the filing fee. They may also apply for an EAD and for travel authorization. All individuals applying for TPS undergo security and background checks as part of determining eligibility.  

More details about the eligibility criteria to submit a TPS application and apply for an EAD can be found in the forthcoming FRN. 

Is TPS status given automatically? 

No, TPS is not automatic. People must apply, pay a filing fee, and pass immigration screening. There are some facts that will make a person ineligible for TPS. For example, people with certain criminal convictions or who violated the human rights of others are not eligible for TPS. People who are inadmissible under certain sections of the law may have to file a waiver before they can be approved for TPS status. The application process can be complicated, and we recommend working with an immigration attorney. 

I am from Lebanon, and the police have given me tickets here. Can I apply for TPS? 

Maybe. You need to show your tickets to an immigration lawyer before filing. A person with two misdemeanors or one felony cannot get TPS. A lawyer can tell you if the tickets will be a problem. 

I am from Lebanon, and I am in deportation proceedings. Can I apply for TPS to avoid deportation? 

Yes. A person in removal proceedings can apply for TPS and, if approved, can request that the judge put the removal case on hold until TPS is approved, and then for the time it is in effect. 

Does TPS Status provide a path to permanent residency? 

No, TPS does not provide a path to lawful permanent resident status. However, some TPS holders may be independently eligible to adjust status through a family-based, employment-based, or other legal avenue. Please consult with an immigration lawyer regarding this issue. 

May someone with a pending asylum application apply for TPS? 

Yes. Applying for TPS, or being granted TPS, does not affect a pending asylum application. However, asylum applicants should consider their preferred strategy in the event that their asylum application is not granted by USCIS. Based on this, we strongly recommend obtaining an immigration lawyer to discuss this question with you. 

If someone has TPS at the time their asylum application is denied, USCIS cannot refer their asylum case to an immigration judge where the applicant may present the asylum claim for reconsideration. Thus, if you have a weak asylum case that is unlikely to be granted by an immigration judge and have no other relief available, it may be best to proceed with applying for TPS. Those who have a strong case for asylum may prefer not to apply for TPS until after the affirmative asylum application has been denied. Again, it is important to obtain an immigration lawyer to discuss the merits of your asylum application. 

Note that obtaining TPS status will “stop the clock” on the requirement to file for asylum within one year of arriving in the United States if the one-year clock has not already expired. 

 

DED 

Who is eligible for DED? 

Noncitizens of the United States who are nationals of Lebanon, regardless of country of birth, who have resided in the United States since July 26, 2024, may be eligible for DED. Lebanese nationals must meet all eligibility criteria, including required documentation, for DED in the FRN.  

DED only applies to those people already residing in the United States at the time of designation. Those outside the United States who want to immigrate do not qualify for DED. Individuals must be a national of, or a person without nationality who last habitually resided in, the country designated for DED. 

Do I need to apply for DED? 

No. There is no application to apply for DED. Anyone who meets the requirements automatically has DED until it lapses or is terminated. 

Can I work under DED? 

Maybe. If you are a Lebanese national covered by DED and want a DED-based EAD, you must file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. 

DHS may issue an automatic extension of expiring EADs for DED recipients. The FRN will tell you if your EAD is automatically extended and for how long. 

Can I travel outside the United States under DED? 

Maybe. Lebanese nationals covered by DED may apply for and be granted travel authorization as a matter of discretion. You must file for travel authorization if you wish to travel outside of the United States and be eligible to reenter the United States. If USCIS grants travel authorization, it generally gives you permission to leave the United States and return during a specific period. Customs and Border Protection officers make the ultimate determination, upon the noncitizen’s arrival at a United States port of entry, whether to parole the noncitizen into the United States and for what length of time. To request travel authorization, you must file Form I-131. 

Get Help  

The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) provides free immigration legal services to low-income immigrants in a variety of immigration matters. For more information about how we can assist you, please visit our website at www.ilcm.org.  

Printable PDF Version

H.R. 9495 is a bill that includes a dangerous provision targeting nonprofits. This provision would give the Treasury Secretary broad authority to revoke the tax-exempt status of any nonprofit organization when the Secretary alleges that the organization supports terrorist activities. The Secretary would not have to share their full evidence or reasoning with accused nonprofits.  

Subjecting nonprofits to a vague and overbroad definition of supporting terrorism threatens the ability of organizations to advocate for vulnerable populations, including immigrants and refugees.   

A House vote on the bill is scheduled for Thursday, November 21. 

U.S. Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN-2nd Congressional District) voted to support this bill when it was heard last week. The bill failed then because the procedural vote required a super-majority. This week’s vote requires only a simple majority to pass.  

Contact Representative Craig’s office and urge her to vote NO on HR 9495 later this week.

EMAIL: (you may send one email and include all staff below)  

• Nick Coe, Chief of Staff: nick.coe@mail.house.gov 

• Skylar Borchardt, Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director: skylar.borchardt@mail.house.gov 

• Suzie Cavalier, Senior Legislative Assistant: suzie.cavalier@mail.house.gov 

• Hayden Schutt, Legislative Correspondent: hayden.schutt@mail.house.gov 

PHONE: 

• Washington DC Office: 202-225-2271 

• Eagan Office: 651-846-2120 

 

Template Script to Oppose H.R. 9495: 

Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [City/State]. I’m calling to urge you to oppose H.R. 9495, the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act, scheduled for a vote later today. 

This bill poses a direct threat to nonprofits by granting the Treasury Secretary broad authority to label organizations as “terrorist supporting” and strip their tax-exempt status. Even worse, this can happen without evidence, intentional links, or any requirement to disclose the reasons for the designation. The lack of due process and accountability leaves nonprofits and their clients and communities open to vague accusations and potentially irreparable harm 

Please oppose H.R. 9495 to protect nonprofits and the communities they serve. Thank you for your time and consideration. 

As Minnesota’s leading advocate for immigrant and refugee rights and premier provider of free immigration legal representation, the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) reminds our community that regardless of who holds elected office, we remain steadfast in our commitment to our mission and values. 

Since 1996, ILCM has assisted in nearly 50,000 cases for immigrants from 163 different countries. No matter the administration, we have tirelessly advocated for policies that recognize and protect the universal human rights of immigrants while simultaneously educating the community on immigration issues. The inevitable precarity and uncertainty surrounding policies that affect people’s abilities to live in the US means our work is always vital. 

While we do not underestimate the gravity of this situation and significant obstacles ahead, ILCM is poised to confront these challenges with the utmost determination and compassion. Decades of building connections within communities have allowed us to champion the rights and dignity of our clients, no matter the circumstances. 

We affirm our values of dedicated legal passion, relationship building, integrity, and action; all of which are grounded in respect for, and partnership with, our immigrant and refugee clients. We acknowledge the diversity of immigrant experiences along with the commonalities of navigating the complex US immigration system. We celebrate the vital and vast contributions of immigrants to our society. We recognize the inherent value of all human beings, irrespective of national origin, ethnic identity, or borders. 

ILCM Executive Director, Jenny Stohl Powell, said, “In this moment, as always, we stand in solidarity with immigrant and refugee communities. ILCM is dedicated to boldly pursuing justice for all because we know our communities are stronger when we embrace everyone’s humanity.” 

During the next four years, as we have for the past 28, ILCM will continue to defend our clients’ rights and advocate for policies that protect immigrants and ultimately make our society a healthier, more vibrant place to live and enjoy. 

Please visit our “Know Your Rights” page for shareable community education resources.

October 17, 2024 —The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) has selected Jennifer Stohl Powell, JD as our new Executive Director. Stohl Powell has served as ILCM Interim Executive Director since June.

“Immigrants and refugees are essential members of our community and make vital contributions to Minnesota and the nation,” said Stohl Powell. “The work of the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota in supporting and defending their rights and helping them to work through the maze of immigration laws is crucially important. I look forward to continuing to work with the outstanding staff and volunteers of ILCM.”

ILCM Board Chair Sarah Radosevich welcomed Stohl Powell to her new position, saying, “We at ILCM have a big task ahead of us to not only continue to provide exceptional legal support, but also to act boldly as community leaders at a time when our immigrant and refugee communities face a broken immigration system and harmful rhetoric. Jennifer Stohl Powell has dedicated her legal career to serving these communities and has been an essential part of ILCM’s team for the past seven years. We are beyond excited to have her lead ILCM into the future.”

Serving low-income farmworker, immigrant, and refugee clients has been a passion for Stohl Powell throughout her legal career. She volunteered at a refugee camp for Central Americans on the Texas-Mexico border and then worked as a paralegal with migrant farmworkers in Minnesota before attending law school. After graduating from the University of Minnesota Law School, she worked for Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS) and then at ILCM.

As a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, she has presented at continuing legal education classes and at regional conferences. She has conducted extensive outreach and community education sessions in Spanish as well as serving in leadership and administrative roles in both SMRLS and ILCM. An active community leader, Stohl Powell also volunteers with Feline Rescue in St. Paul and with the Military History Library in Apple Valley.

Stohl Powell’s educational background includes a BA in Latin American Studies from Carleton College (with honors), a JD from the University of Minnesota, and an MA in Nonprofit Management from Hamline University.