Washington Ends Temporary Protection for Thousands of Syrians: 60-Day Deadline to Leave or Face Deportation

The "New York Times" reported today, Friday, citing U.S. officials, that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has decided to end the temporary deportation protection program that benefited thousands of Syrians residing in the United States, a move that has raised widespread concern within the Syrian community.

According to the decision, authorities believe that conditions in Syria no longer prevent the return of Syrians, meaning that beneficiaries of the program have a 60-day deadline either for voluntary departure or to face deportation proceedings.

The decision comes at a time when Syria is still suffering from humanitarian, security, and economic crises, amid warnings from human rights organizations that returning at this stage could put returnees' lives at risk, especially in areas experiencing tensions or weak infrastructure and services.