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U.S. Extends Safe Haven for Hong Kong Residents Amid Ongoing Crackdown on Freedoms

The United States has announced the extension of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for eligible residents of Hong Kong, providing continued temporary protection from deportation through February 5, 2027. This decision is a direct response to the ongoing erosion of freedoms and rights in Hong Kong, as Beijing’s actions increasingly suppress political dissent and independent expression.

In a statement released on January 15, 2025, U.S. Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller reaffirmed the United States’ solidarity with the people of Hong Kong, who have faced growing challenges since China’s imposition of restrictive national security laws. These laws have severely limited the rights guaranteed to the people of Hong Kong under the Basic Law and the Sino-British Joint Declaration, which had established the region’s “one country, two systems” framework after its return to Chinese sovereignty in 1997.

“The United States is committed to providing a safe haven for Hong Kongers who remain fearful of returning to their home under the current regime,” Miller stated. “This extension of DED is part of our broader support for those in Hong Kong who continue to face grave threats to their rights and freedoms.”

The extension of DED will continue to protect Hong Kong residents who are currently in the United States and meet certain eligibility criteria, allowing them to remain in the country without the threat of forced deportation. This move is aligned with similar measures taken by other international allies, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, which have also taken steps to provide refuge to Hong Kong residents who fear persecution.

The U.S. decision comes at a time when Beijing and Hong Kong authorities have intensified their crackdown on pro-democracy activists and independent media. Among the most troubling recent developments is the unjust sentencing of two former editors of the pro-democracy news outlet Stand News for publishing articles deemed “seditious” under Hong Kong’s controversial national security laws. Additionally, 45 pro-democracy advocates were recently sentenced for their peaceful participation in political activities, and democracy advocate Jimmy Lai remains on trial, facing charges under the same laws.

“These actions are part of a broader pattern of political repression in Hong Kong,” Miller emphasized. “We condemn the targeting of individuals who peacefully express their views and call for their immediate and unconditional release.”

The U.S. government also expressed concern over China’s growing use of transnational repression, including the recent issuance of arrest warrants for six overseas democracy activists, as well as the cancellation of passports for several others, including those living in the United States. These actions, which target individuals for their advocacy for democracy and human rights, have been widely criticized as violations of international norms and a threat to U.S. sovereignty.

“The arrest warrants and passport cancellations are deeply troubling,” Miller added. “These acts are part of an alarming trend of transnational repression that violates basic human rights and threatens the freedoms that are fundamental to democratic societies.”

The U.S. government continues to urge both Beijing and Hong Kong authorities to halt the use of national security laws to silence political opposition, and to restore the civil liberties and freedoms that were once central to Hong Kong’s identity as a global financial hub. Washington has also called for the immediate release of all individuals detained or imprisoned for exercising their rights to free expression, peaceful assembly, and political participation.

As the situation in Hong Kong continues to evolve, the United States remains committed to standing with the people of Hong Kong and supporting their efforts to preserve their freedoms and their way of life.

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