The Trump administration announced Thursday it will extend deportation protections for approximately 11,000 Lebanese people living in the United States, allowing them to remain and work in the country for another six months.

The Department of Homeland Security made the decision to continue temporary protected status (TPS) for Lebanese nationals currently in the United States. The extension provides relief from deportation and work authorization for the affected individuals.

The announcement comes as fighting continues in southern Lebanon between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters. TPS is typically granted to foreign nationals whose home countries face ongoing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary circumstances that prevent safe return.

The temporary protected status program has faced scrutiny from Republican officials who have criticized such immigration protections. The extension represents a continuation of existing protections rather than an expansion of the program.

The six-month extension will allow Lebanese nationals currently protected under TPS to maintain their legal status while conditions in their home country remain unstable. Recipients must re-register during the designated period to maintain their protected status and work authorization.