NILC Statement on Yearlong Extension of DED Protections for Liberians

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 28, 2019

CONTACT
Email: [email protected]
Juan Gastelum, 213-375-3149
Hayley Burgess, 202-805-0375

NILC Statement on Yearlong Extension of DED Protections for Liberians

WASHINGTON — The White House today extended deferred enforced departure (DED) protections for Liberians for 12 more months, through March 30, 2020. The announcement comes just days before DED protections for Liberians were set to expire on March 31, 2019.

Avideh Moussavian, legislative director of the National Immigration Law Center, issued the following statement:

“The Trump administration’s decision to extend DED protections for Liberians is the right thing to do and a testament to the organizing efforts of many Liberians and other members of our communities who are fighting to secure their futures in the U.S. — their home.

“Twelve additional months of DED protections is welcome relief for thousands of families who were days away from losing deportation protections and the ability to continue fully contributing to their communities. However, temporary relief is not enough. Congress must act urgently on a permanent solution for people with DED and other immigrant communities whose futures the Trump administration has thrown into limbo.

“The Dream and Promise Act, H.R. 6, would provide a long overdue pathway to U.S. citizenship for people with DED, TPS, and immigrant youth. Similar bipartisan legislation was also introduced in the Senate this week. Congress must prioritize passing these bills as a first step toward inclusive solutions on immigration that benefit all of us in the long term.”

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