US Lawmakers Demand Urgent Extension of DED Program for Hong Kong Residents Amid Ongoing Persecution by China

In a significant move, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), alongside Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (D-NY), has penned a pivotal letter to President Joe Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, advocating for the immediate extension of the Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) program for residents of Hong Kong. The letter, sent on January 15, underscores a pressing humanitarian concern: the escalating threat of political persecution and alarming erosion of democracy in Hong Kong under the relentless control of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Krishnamoorthi emphasized the critical nature of this request, stating, “The violation of Hong Kongers' free speech and fundamental human rights transcends geographical borders. We have a moral and ethical obligation to ensure the safety of those Hong Kong residents who would be subjected to nearly inevitable prosecution upon their return. By extending the DED for Hong Kongers, we reaffirm our status as a symbol of freedom and democracy, providing a sanctuary where they can rebuild their lives.”

The Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong (CFHK) Foundation also voiced strong support for the extension, highlighting the DED program's crucial role in safeguarding thousands of Hong Kong residents currently residing in the U.S. These individuals face immense uncertainty and life-threatening risks if compelled to go back to Hong Kong amidst the CCP’s tightening grip. The foundation warns that the consequences of not extending the program could be dire, leading to further victimization of pro-democracy advocates.

“The extension of the DED program until at least January 20, 2029, is not merely beneficial; it is essential. This extension is a critical step to ensure the safety of Hong Kongers and reinforce America's commitment to resist authoritarianism,” the CFHK stated. They also called for swift action from the Biden administration to demonstrate unwavering support for Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement.

The Deferred Enforced Departure program, established at the discretion of the U.S. President, provides a temporary reprieve from deportation for designated foreign nationals from specific countries, allowing them to live without fear in the U.S. Activists are pressing for a permanent solution to the challenges faced by these individuals, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive humanitarian policies that protect those fleeing repression.

As Hong Kong continues to grapple under the CCP’s authoritarian measures, lawmakers and advocacy groups call on the U.S. government to stand firm in its support for democracy and human rights, ensuring that affected residents have a secure place to seek refuge. In this critical juncture, the stakes could not be higher, and the world watches to see if the U.S. will act decisively to protect those in desperate need.