Biden Extends Protections for Hong Kongers in the U.S. Until 2027

The outgoing president expands Deferred Enforced Departure for Hong Kong residents, citing China's erosion of freedoms and democratic values.

President Joe Biden extended the Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) program for Hong Kong residents in the U.S. by two years, now lasting until February 5, 2027.
The program protects eligible Hong Kongers from deportation and allows them to work legally in the U.S., responding to China's imposition of the 2020 National Security Law.
Biden emphasized that the extension aligns with U.S. foreign policy goals of defending democracy and promoting human rights globally.
Individuals who have returned to Hong Kong or mainland China, or have not continuously resided in the U.S. since January 2023, are excluded from the program.
The move follows a letter from a Democrat-led committee urging the extension and is welcomed by advocacy groups as a temporary safeguard against political persecution.