US extends special ‘safe haven’ status for Hongkongers seeking refuge
- ‘Deferred enforced departure’ designation was set to expire on February 5, but President Joe Biden announces it can be used for another two years
- Status was originally issued in response to Beijing’s crackdown on opposition lawmakers and activists after imposing a national security law on Hong Kong
With 10 days left before their temporary “safe haven” status was set to expire, President Joe Biden has extended Hongkongers’ refuge in the United States by two years, noting “compelling foreign policy reasons”.
China, Biden wrote in the memorandum announcing the extension on Thursday, “has continued its assault on Hong Kong’s autonomy, undermining its remaining democratic processes and institutions, imposing limits on academic freedom, and cracking down on freedom of the press”.
“Offering safe haven for Hong Kong residents who have been deprived of their guaranteed freedoms in Hong Kong furthers United States interests in the region,” he said.
The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment, though Beijing has previously condemned the US programme as an “anti-China disruption”.
The memo authorises the Department of Homeland Security to give US-based Hongkongers 24 more months of what is formally known as deferred enforced departure (DED). The status means that they are not subject to removal for that period of time and can apply for a US work permit.
01:55
Hong Kong Journalist Association chairman arrested for public disorder, obstructing police
The offer does not apply to Hongkongers who have not “continuously resided” in the US as of Thursday. It also does not apply to those who voluntarily return to Hong Kong after the announcement.