Trump Extends the Liberian DED Wind-Down Period Just in Time
If you recall from Trump Administration Announces Liberia's Loss of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) Designation Today, the Trump Administration had previously decided that the Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Liberians would end on March 31, 2019. However, this past Thursday, Trump, through his Presidential Memoranda, changed this previous decision by extending the wind-down period for Liberian DED status for an additional year. This turn of events comes after months of Liberians and their supporters lobbying Congress and the President. There is also a lawsuit to prevent Liberian DED from expiring and potential legislation to provide U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident status to DED Liberians. Trump's decision to extend the wind-down period for Liberian DED was due to the potential strain that the return of DED Liberians could cause on U.S.-Liberian relations and Liberia's efforts towards democracy and political stability.
It is anticipated that there will be an upcoming publication in the Federal Register with information regarding an automatic 6-month extension of employment authorization and the extension of employment authorization for the remainder of the Liberian DED wind-down period.
If this announcement affects you and you need assistance with renewing your EAD or wish to remain in the U.S. beyond March 30, 2020, you should contact an immigration attorney who handles such matters as soon as possible. Attorney Carcagno handles applications for employment authorization along with other U.S. immigration law matters and you may schedule a free consultation with her here.
***Please keep in mind that this blog posting is for educational purposes only (i.e., to give you general information and a general understanding of this immigration related matter); this blog posting does not provide specific legal advice and does not form an attorney-client relationship.***
Sources:
1. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/memorandum-extension-deferred-enforced-departure-liberians/
2. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-immigration-liberia/trump-changes-mind-and-extends-liberians-immigration-protections-in-us-idUSKCN1R92EC
3. https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/deferred-enforced-departure/ded-granted-country-liberia/ded-granted-country-liberia
Rebecca Carcagno Rodriguez
The Law Offices of Rebecca Carcagno, PLLC
3830 Packard St, Suite 240
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
