The President of the United States, Joe Biden, has extended the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Liberians residing in the United States until June 30, 2026. This decision, outlined in a memorandum issued on June 28, 2024, reflects the long-standing relationship between the United States and Liberia and acknowledges the need to continue providing safe haven for Liberians who fled their country due to armed conflict and civil strife.
Since 1991, the United States has granted TPS and DED to Liberians who were forced to escape their homeland. In his memorandum, President Biden noted the significant foreign policy reasons for extending DED for Liberians who have been continuously present in the United States since May 20, 2017, and were eligible under the 2022 Memorandum. “Providing protection from removal and work authorization to these Liberians, for whom we have long authorized TPS or DED in the United States, honors the historic close relationship between the United States and Liberia and is in the foreign policy interests of the United States,” President Biden emphasized.
President Biden has determined that extending deferred removal and employment authorization for Liberians until June 30, 2026, aligns with the foreign policy interests of the United States. He has instructed the Secretary of Homeland Security to ensure that the necessary provisions are made for immediate employment authorization and the issuance of new or replacement employment authorization documents for covered Liberians.
The extension applies to any person eligible for DED under the 2022 Memorandum, including any Liberian national or person without nationality who last habitually resided in Liberia and has been continuously physically present in the United States since May 20, 2017.
The President of the Liberian community in the United States, Mohammad Keita, praised the US government for the extension of DED. He encouraged Liberians residing in the United States to utilize the extended DED period effectively. Keita also reaffirmed his leadership’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by Liberians in the United States.
This extension of TPS and DED marks a significant step in continuing to provide support and protection for Liberians, reflecting the enduring bond between the United States and Liberia.
