US President Joe Biden issued a directive on Wednesday allowing for Palestinian immigrants to say in the US without facing deportation for 18 months. Palestinian immigrants within the US are now covered under “deferred enforced departure,” which aims to provide a “temporary safe haven” for Palestinians who qualify. However, individuals convicted of felonies or deemed to pose a public safety threat do not qualify. Those who voluntarily return to their homeland forfeit deportation protections.

It is estimated that around 6,000 Palestinians are eligible for deferred enforced departure, although the exact number is uncertain. This designation does not confer a specific immigration status but rather shields individuals from deportation based on criteria established by the president. Similar protections are currently extended to individuals from Liberia and Hong Kong.

Biden’s move follows calls from over 100 Democratic lawmakers to protect Palestinians in the US from being forced back into dangerous conditions in Gaza amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. According to the Health Ministry in Gaza, it is estimated that the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 28,000 people, with two-thirds of the dead constituting women and children.

While this decision provides temporary relief, there are concerns about the long-term implications, as deferred enforced departure is subject to presidential discretion, potentially leaving Palestinians vulnerable once the 18-month period expires. “Temporary protected status,” on the other hand, involves a more structured assessment process by the Department of Homeland Security before protections expire.

Biden’s administration has also taken other actions related to the Israel-Palestine conflict, including the imposition of sanctions on Israeli settlers accused of violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. However, there has been no indication of significant policy changes regarding US support for Israel amidst the ongoing war.