Statement: Celebrating An Incredible Victory for Liberian DED Holders

WASHINGTON – On March 28, 2019, the Trump Administration extended Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Liberia for an additional 12 months, through March 30, 2020. Liberian DED protects DED holders from deportation and provides for work authorization.

Losmin Jimenez, Project Director and Senior Attorney, Advancement Project’s National Office stated, “There are approximately 4,000 Liberian DED holders in the U.S. Add to that number the U.S. citizen children and families they have raised and the roots they have in their communities. It is no secret what Trump thinks of African countries and the 2018 decision to end Liberian DED was part of the Administration’s racial purge. We celebrate the organizing and advocacy of the UndocuBlack Network and Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI) in this fight.”

She also commented, “The one-year extension is an amazing victory for Liberian DED holders, however a permanent path to residency and ultimately citizenship for Liberian DED holders is found in H.R. 6, the 2019 Dream and Promise Act introduced on March 12, 2019 in the House of Representatives.”