NNA - The United Ambassadors-at-Large for global integration in the United States, led by its Lebanese President Dr. Graziella Seif, has issued the following statement:

In light of the rapid developments in U.S. immigration policies earlier this year, a state of anxiety has prevailed among Lebanese citizens and other communities with families and interests in the United States. This follows the decision to freeze the issuance of immigrant visas for 75 countries, including Lebanon.

Furthermore, many Lebanese nationals today are facing legal uncertainty regarding their residency status or the threat of immediate deportation and harsh penalties following the expiration of the Deferred Enforced Departure (DED)program. This specific protection, which shielded Lebanese nationals for 18 months following the security events of Summer 2024, officially expired yesterday, Sunday, January 25, 2026.

Driven by our commitment to the Lebanese diaspora and the urgent need to clarify legal alternatives, we wish to reassure Lebanese citizens—and all affected nationalities—by highlighting robust legal pathways that must be taken immediately to maintain "lawful status" until normal visa operations resume.

The recent administrative decision to freeze certain visas is a temporary "procedural freeze" and not a cancellation of rights acquired prior to its issuance. This freeze primarily affects the processing of Permanent Residency (Green Cards), family reunification files, Diversity Visa (Lottery) winners, and programs leading to the adjustment of status from temporary to permanent. It does not fundamentally target temporary non-immigrant visas, such as visitor, student, or work visas. This policy is designed to protect the U.S. from "Public Charge" burdens and prepares for a more secure system for those seeking a sustainable, legal presence.

To ensure legal continuity, the right to work, and protection from deportation, the following actions are recommended in the US:

1. Mandatory Transition from DED to TPS: Lebanese nationals currently in the U.S. who arrived before October 16, 2024, must immediately transition from the expired DED program to Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Registration for Lebanese remains open until May 27, 2026. Applying for TPS allows for a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD), prevents legal gaps in employment, and stops the accumulation of "unlawful presence" days that could jeopardize future Green Card applications.

2. Document Retention: It is vital to keep a copy of the Receipt Notice (I-797C) for the TPS application as legal proof for employers and authorities during any audits or inspections.

3. Adjustment of Status: All Lebanese and affected nationalities, especially those with sponsors, should immediately apply for an Adjustment of Status. This is the only path that moves an individual from temporary status toward permanent stability.

4. The 90-Day Rule: Individuals on temporary visas (visitor, student, etc.) intending to convert to permanent residency via a sponsor should apply for Adjustment of Status, provided they have been in the U.S. for at least 90 days. This avoids "conflicting intent" issues with immigration authorities.

5. Travel Restrictions: As those who apply for the above programs become legally protected, we advise delaying travel outside the U.S. at this time to avoid administrative complications upon return, even for those holding Advance Parole travel permits.

6. Public Charge & Financial Support: Because the current policy focuses heavily on "Public Charge" criteria, sponsors must update their 2025 tax returns. Ensure that income levels significantly exceed the minimum requirements for sponsorship.

7. Avoiding Public Assistance: All mentioned categories should avoid accepting government or non-government humanitarian aid, regardless of the amount, to prevent being classified as a public charge.

For those currently outside the United States (in Lebanon or the Diaspora):

1. Consular Appointments: Interviews at the U.S. Embassy are ongoing for all visa types. While the final stamping of immigrant visas is suspended during the freeze, exceptions may be granted for critical medical cases or urgent humanitarian family reunions via "Expedite Requests."

2. Focus on "Extraordinary Ability": High-achieving individuals should pivot toward visas based on talent, professional excellence, or high academic qualifications. These categories often bypass the need for a sponsor and allow for later adjustment of status from within the U.S.

3. Dual Nationality: Individuals with dual citizenship from countries not on the "75-country list" may submit or re-file based on their second nationality, provided they inform the U.S. Embassy to avoid documentation conflicts.

General Compliance for All:

• Maintain clean legal, financial, and security records both inside and outside the U.S.

• Utilize this time to improve English language proficiency and demonstrate self-sufficiency.

• Ensure the availability of private health insurance within the U.S. and secure additional joint sponsors if necessaryto strengthen the financial profile of the application.

In conclusion, President Seif reassures the public that Lebanon is not alone in this landscape. Strict adherence to legal procedures remains the key to protecting one’s rights. She reaffirms her confidence in the Lebanese people and the diaspora as a pioneering force and a value-added presence in every country they inhabit.