Efforts to Address Liberian Immigration Status

http://www.boston.com/news/local/rhode_ ... on_status/

Reed, Kennedy step up efforts to address Liberian immigration status
March 11, 2006

PROVIDENCE, R.I. --Federal lawmakers representing Rhode Island are increasing efforts to address the immigration status of Liberians in this country as Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf prepares to visit the U.S. next week.

Sen. Jack Reed and Rep. Patrick Kennedy are urging President Bush to support granting Liberians permanent residency in the U.S.

Johnson-Sirleaf is scheduled to meet with President Bush and address Congress in Washington next week. Kennedy and Reed are scheduled to meet with Johnson-Sirleaf on Thursday, according to Robin Costello, Kennedy's press secretary. Johnson-Sirleaf is scheduled to visit Rhode Island next Sunday.

Rhode Island has the largest per-capita Liberian population in the U.S., with 10,000 to 15,000 Liberians living in the state.

Reed said members of the Liberian community have been working and paying taxes in the U.S., but have long been denied benefits given to other taxpayers because of their immigration status. He said many Liberians are outstanding members of the community and many have children who are American citizens.

"It is frustrating that these Liberian families continue to live in limbo regarding their legal status, when they could easily be given the opportunity to live here permanently," Reed said.

Kennedy, Reed and Sen. Lincoln Chafee have been working to provide emergency assistance to Liberia, which had suffered a prolonged civil war.

The Liberians are part of that TPS program, aren't they? I think they are one of the four African countries where their people in our country who came before a certain date or whatever have that temporary protected status.