The Advocates for Human Rights welcomes the August 16, 2011, announcement by President Obama of an 18-month extension of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Liberians living in the United States. The United States has protected Liberians living in the U.S. from deportation since 1991, when thousands of Liberians fled civil war and human rights atrocities. Had their legal status been allowed to expire in September, they would have faced deportation to a still struggling country and separation from their families, livelihoods, and communities. For twenty years, Liberians have registered for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED), paying filing fees to renew their status and work authorization. 

We welcome the President's announcement extended DED," says Michele Garnett McKenzie, advocacy director at The Advocates for Human Rights, "and we now urge Congress to move forward to enact legislation granting permanent residence to those Liberians who in the U.S. under this temporary program."

Although the country has made tremendous progress under the inspired leadership of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia today remains one of the poorest countries on earth, with minimal health care resources, massive unemployment, and widespread sexual violence and armed robbery.  

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.

Legislation to grant permenent resident status to Liberians has been introduced in both the Senate and House of Representatives. If enacted, S. 1202 and H.R. 2185 would allow Liberians currently in the U.S. under Deferred Enforced Departure to apply for lawful permanent resident status. Learn more at http://www.energyofanation.org/Liberian_Immigration_Legislation.html.