In partnership with the Coalition for Permanent Residency and national allies, The Advocates for Human Rights works for the extension of protection of Liberians and for enactment of legislation allowing Liberians who have lived in the U.S. under temporary protection to apply for permanent resident status. Learn more about the Coalition for Permanent Residency and how to stand in solidarity with the Liberian community.
The United States has protected Liberians living in the U.S. from deportation since 1991. Each year, Liberians have registered for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED), paying filing fees to renew their status and work authorization. In 2006, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced the termination of TPS for Liberians. On August 16, 2011, President Obama extended Deferred Enforced Departure for Liberians, granting an additional 18 months of protection to eligible Liberians beginning September 30, 2011.
On June 3, 2011, over 100 organizations from around the United States submitted a letter to President Obama calling for the extension of Deferred Enforced Departure for Liberians. Read the sign-on letter.
On June 6, 2011, Members of the United States Senate wrote to President Obama callnig for the extension of DED. Read the letter from Senators.
The Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act, S. 656, and H.R. 1293, would allow eligible Liberians to apply for lawful permanent resident status.