On August 5, 2021, President Biden signed a memorandum to defer for 18 months the removal of Hong Kong residents present in the United States.
This decision was based on China’s “continued 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.” President Biden stated that offering safe haven for Hong Kong residents “furthers United States interests in the region. The United States will not waver in our support of people in Hong Kong.”
Although details are still limited, the vast majority of Hong Kong residents in the United States are expected to be eligible and may also seek employment authorization for the 18 months period.
The key question is will there be renewals in the future or a possible path to permanent residency?