The US government has extended the temporary leave to remain of thousands of Liberians by 12 months. They were facing deportation by Sunday.
President Trump, extended a temporary immigration program for Liberians who have lived in the United States lawfully since 2002. The move came just days before the protection would have expired, leaving more than 800 residents subject to deportation.
Most of them fled Liberia’s two civil wars between 1989 and 2003 and were allowed to live in the US under a scheme called Deferred Enforced Departure.
The US government, in Trump’s administration has extended the scheme, following pressure from lawmakers, human rights activists and civil rights lawyers.
The 12 month extension was announced in a memorandum on the White House website Thursday. It is a reversal after Trump declared a year ago that he would not continue the nominally temporary reprieve that previous presidents had extended.
Trump’s statement said, “Upon further reflection and review, I have decided that it is in the foreign. Extending the wind-down period will preserve the status quo while the Congress considers remedial legislation.”
The decision was welcomed by DED holders. Some of whom have lived in the country for decades and have children who are US Citizens.