Update: Obama extends immigration status for Liberians
6:38 PM Fri, Mar 20, 2009 | Permalink
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By Karen Lee Ziner President Obama has signed an order that will extend the right of Liberian refugees to remain in the United States for another year. The legal immigration status for thousands of Liberians was set to expire March 31, after which they could have been deported. Rhode Island's Congressional delegation praised the president in advance. "I am pleased that President Obama is extending Deferred Enforced Departure for Liberians living legally in the United States," said Sen. Jack Reed. "This extension will prevent thousands of Liberians from being separated from their families and deported back to a country still rife with economic, social, and political tensions." Reed authored the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 2009 that would allow people who came to the U.S. legally under a classification known as temporary protection status to apply for citizenship. Reed originally introduced the legislation in 1999 and has reintroduced it in every session of Congress since then.
Reed called Obama's extension order "a critical step towards ensuring that hard-working people who have paid taxes and contributed to our communities are not forced to leave their homes." He added, "In the long-term, we need to pass comprehensive immigration reform that once again includes my measure to allow Liberians to apply for citizenship." Between 7,000 and 15,000 Liberians live in Rhode Island, making that community the largest per-capita Liberian community in the country. Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy also praised the president's announcement that he would sign the order. "This measure will ensure that the hard-working Liberian-Americans in Rhode Island and across the country will be able to remain in the United States. They have contributed to our society for more than a decade, becoming active members of our communities and providing for their families," said Kennedy. "I am pleased that the President has acted to preserve their status here, preventing a grave injustice." Mator Kpangbai, former president of the Liberian Association of Rhode Island, said: "Personally I think it's great news." He said the decision provides another opportunity for Liberians to renew their case for permanent legal status. 
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