(MONROVIA-February 11, 2009): The Liberian Government says it is in discussions with US Government officials to address the threat of deportation hanging over Liberians residing in the United States of America.

Upon directives of President Johnson Sirleaf, and as a follow up on discussions last year between President Johnson Sirleaf and former US President George Bush on the issue, Liberia’s ambassador to the United States, Mr. Nathaniel Barnes has continued discussions with US government officials, particularly members of the United States Congress as well as the incoming administration of President Barack Obama. 

In support of the continuing discussions between Liberian and US Government officials to consider an extension in the status of Liberians legally residing in the United States, more than 30 members of the United States Congress have signed a letter, requesting the administration of President Obama for an extension of the Temporary Protective Status for Liberians or grant Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). The request which has a bipartisan support was contained in a letter dated December 19, 2008, expressing deep concern that if TPS for Liberians in the United States were terminated, the country’s recovery could be damaged severely and thousands of families separated and uprooted due to forced repatriation. 

The leadership of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the Congressional members noted, has put Liberia on a pathway to reform by rooting out corruption in the highest level of government, but pointed out, however, that the country's restoration remains a very difficult process. With high unemployment and an infrastructure that is still badly damaged, the US lawmakers argued, Liberia is in no place to welcome home its refugees. An influx of refugees the lawmakers agreed could have a destabilizing effect on the country's fledgling economic and social structures. 

One of the unintended consequences of Temporary Protective Status, the lawmakers pointed out in their letter is that the designation never accounted for a protracted conflict. "Many Liberians have been living under TPS for atleast 15-years and in that time, have started families, bought homes and raised American-born children. Liberian-Americans have even answered the call to serve in the United States military," the US law-makers observed. 

The statement was signed by Congressmen Patrick Kennedy of Rhode Island, Jesse Jackson, Jr. of Chicago; New Jersey Congressman Donald Payne and Sheila Jackson Lee of California, among others. A similar letter was also addressed to the outgoing administration of President George W. Bush in December last year. 

Liberia's Ambassador to the United States, Mr. Nathaniel Barnes, has, meanwhile,   indicated that in his meetings with several congressmen concerning the matter, they have expressed their commitment to finding a solution that will address the plight of Liberians affected by the threat of deportation. 

The Liberian Government, ambassador Barnes says, remains hopeful that a temporary or more permanent solution can be found to avert the threat of deportation hanging over Liberians who fall within the category.