Trump Administration Announces Liberia's Loss of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) Designation
The Trump Administration has given Liberians in the U.S. based on DED until March 31, 2019 to depart the U.S. During this period, those Liberians with DED whose employment authorization documents (EAD) are valid until March 31, 2018 will have their EADs automatically extended until September 30, 2018; however, they will need to apply to renew their EADs for the period of October 1, 2018 though March 31, 2019.
DED for certain qualifying Liberians began in 2007 through President George W. Bush and was extended throughout Obama's presidency. President Trump has ended DED for Liberians as he believes that it is no longer necessary since there have been improved conditions in Liberia.
If this announcement affects you and you need assistance with renewing your EAD or wish to remain in the U.S. beyond March 31, 2019, you should contact an immigration attorney who handles such matters as soon as possible.
***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.nytimes.com/2018/03/27/us/politics/trump-temporary-immigration-status-liberians.html
(2) https://www.justice.gov/eoir/temporary-protected-status#Lib
(3) https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/deferred-enforced-departure/ded-granted-country-liberia/ded-granted-country-liberia
