Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas released the following statement on Deferred Enforcement Departure for certain residents of Hong Kong:
“Today President Biden issued a memorandum directing the Department of Homeland Security to take appropriate measures to defer for 18 months the removal for Hong Kong residents presently in the United States. This decision to offer safety and protection to these individuals was made based on the ongoing assault on democracy, and rights and freedoms in Hong Kong by the People's Republic of China (PRC). DHS will temporarily defer removal for eligible individuals. Hong Kong residents in the United States whose removal has been deferred may also seek employment authorization through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The United States stands with the people of Hong Kong in support of rights and freedoms.”