President Joe Biden has decided to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Liberians in the United States until June 30, 2026.
This move, outlined in a memorandum issued on June 28, 2024, underscores the longstanding relationship between the two countries and acknowledges the ongoing need to offer refuge to Liberians who fled their homeland due to conflict and instability.
Since 1991, the United States has granted TPS and DED to Liberians forced to leave their country.
In his memorandum, President Biden highlighted the significant foreign policy reasons for extending DED for Liberians who have continuously resided in the United States since May 20, 2017, under the terms of the 2022 Memorandum.
The President emphasized that protecting these individuals from deportation and providing work authorization honors the strong historical ties between the United States and Liberia and serves the foreign policy interests of the United States.
President Biden has determined that extending deferred deportation and work authorization for Liberians until June 30, 2026, aligns with U.S. foreign policy interests.
He has directed the Secretary of Homeland Security to ensure immediate provisions for employment authorization and the issuance of new or replacement employment authorization documents for eligible Liberians.
The extension applies to individuals eligible for DED under the 2022 Memorandum, including Liberian nationals or persons without nationality who last habitually resided in Liberia and have been continuously present in the United States since May 20, 2017.
Mohammad Keita, President of the Liberian community in the United States, commended the U.S. government for extending DED and encouraged Liberians in the U.S. to make effective use of the extended period.
He reaffirmed his commitment to addressing challenges faced by the Liberian community.
This extension of TPS and DED represents a significant measure in continuing to provide support and protection to Liberians, underscoring the enduring bond between the United States and Liberia.
