Statement by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Deferred Enforced Departure for Palestinians

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.