DeGette praises Biden Administration move to grant deferred enforced departure for Palestinians

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Biden Administration officials announced they were granting deferred enforced departure for Palestinians who are currently in the United States, allowing them to stay in the country for up to 18 months. This move comes after lawmakers, including Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), called on President Biden to take this action in a letter late last year.

“I’m glad the Biden Administration has offered these individuals safe haven in the U.S.,” said Rep. DeGette. “While we take this step, we must continue to advocate for the reliable and robust delivery of humanitarian aid that will save lives in Gaza.”

DeGette added, “A new, bilateral peace agreement is needed to end the fighting and release the remaining hostages in the short term, and a two-state solution is needed in the long term to ensure any established peace is a lasting one.” 

In announcing the Administration’s move, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan released a statement saying, “Following the horrific October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas against Israel, and Israel’s ensuing military response, humanitarian conditions in Gaza have significantly deteriorated. In light of the ongoing conflict and humanitarian needs on the ground, President Biden signed a memorandum directing the deferral of removal of certain Palestinians who are present in the United States, giving them a temporary safe haven. Specifically, President Biden is granting deferred enforced departure for 18 months to Palestinians that are currently in the United States. This grant of deferred enforced departure would provide protections for most Palestinians in the United States, with certain exceptions. Those convicted of felonies or who are otherwise deemed to pose a public safety threat are not eligible for deferred enforced departure. Anyone who voluntarily returns to the Palestinian territories would lose any such protections.”

Deferred Enforced Departure is a temporary immigration benefit which provides relief from removal for individuals from designated countries or regions facing political strife, civic conflict or natural disaster to stay in the United States. The President has the discretion as part of his constitutional authority to conduct foreign relations to provide DED as an administrative stay of removal designated for a specific period of time.