Palestinian Work Permit under Deferred Enforced Departure
Eligible Palestinians can now apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) that will be valid through August 13, 2025.
What is Deferred Enforced Departure?
It is not a specific immigration status, but it means that certain people will not be subject to removal from the United States for a certain period of time. The president of the United States has the authority to authorize certain groups of people for DED. It is used in situations where people would face danger if required to return to countries experiencing political instability, conflict, or other unsafe conditions.
Which Palestinians are eligible?
To be eligible, you must have:
Entered the United Stated before February 14, 2024
Have not gone back to Palestine since February 14, 2024
Have continuously resided in the United States since February 14, 2024
Be considered "admissible" under 212(a)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)
Have not been convicted of a felony or two misdemeanors
Are not subject to extradition
Your presence in the US does not create danger to public saftey and would not have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States, according to the Secretary of State
Show documents proving that you are Palestinian, for example:
a Palestinian Authority Passport
a Palestinian Authority Identification Card
a Birth Certificate or Birth Extract verified or issued by a recognized governmental authority identifying the holder as having been born in the Palestinian Territories;
an identification document issued by a third country, the United Nations, its specialized agencies and related organizations, or the International Committee of the Red Cross, indicating the holder is a Palestinian; or
a travel document issued by a third country, the United Nations, its specialized agencies and related organizations, or the International Committee of the Red Cross, identifying the holder as a Palestinian.
Do I need to file anything to be eligible for Deferred Enforced Departure?
No, you do not need to apply for DED.
How do I apply for work authorization?
File I-765 by mail with appropriate filing fees (or request a fee waiver, which you may submit on Form I-912) and supporting documentation
Note: Your response to question 27 regarding the employment category will be: "(a)(11)"
What are the I-765 fees for DED applicants?
You can find filing fees by visiting Form G-1055, Fee Schedule for the Form I-765 and Form I-131. No biometrics fees are required at the time of filing.
Where do I send my application?
For a DED-based EAD, mail your completed Form I-765 and supporting documentation to:
If you are mailing via the U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS
Attn: DED for Palestinians
P.O. Box 805283
Chicago, IL 60680-5283
If you are mailing via FedEx, UPS, or DHL:
USCIS
Attn: DED for Palestinians (Box 805283)
131 South Dearborn Street
3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603-5517
Can I travel while on Deferred Enforced Departure?
You must file for travel authorization if you wish to travel outside of the United States and be eligible to seek re-entry to the United States. If USCIS grants travel authorization, it generally gives you permission to leave the United States and return during a specific period. To request travel authorization, you must file Form I-131. You may file Form I-131 together with your Form I-765 or separately.
When filing the Form I-131:
• Select Item Number 1.d. in Part 2 on the Form and
• Submit the fee for the Form I-131
If you leave the United States without first receiving travel authorization, you may no longer be eligible for DED and may not be permitted to reenter the United States.
Please also be advised that if you return to the Palestinian Territories, even with advance travel authorization, you may not be permitted to resume DED in the United States since the presidential memorandum providing for DED for Palestinians excludes individuals who have voluntarily returned to the Palestinian Territories after the date of the memorandum.
