Path to Residency: New Way for Liberian Refugees to Become Permanent Residents
As of last year, it is now easier for Liberians to get a green card. In December 2019, Congress amended the National Defense Authorization Act and created the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF), providing an opportunity for Liberians and certain family members to apply for Lawful Permanent Resident status.
To apply for the program, eligible Liberians and their qualifying family members must submit a residency application to USCIS on or before December 20, 2020.
To qualify for residency under LRIF, an applicant must show:
They are a national of Liberia;
They have been continuously present in the U.S. since November 20, 2014, until the day they file for residency; and
Are admissible to the U.S. or eligible for a waiver of an inadmissibility.
Public charge, labor certification and qualifications, unlawful presence, and documentation requirement grounds of inadmissibility do not apply to LRIF residency applicants.
Many Liberians came to the U.S. during the Liberian Civil War between 1989 and 1997. Liberians seeking refuge in the U.S. were granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) until 2007, when President George W. Bush created Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Liberians, which has been extended through January 2021.
Spouses, minor children, and unmarried children over 21 of an LRIF residency applicant may also apply for residency as long as they meet other admission requirements. The nationality and continuous physical presence requirements above do not apply to the family members of LRIF principal applicants.
Applicants in removal proceedings or with final orders of deportation, removal, or exclusion should still apply with USCIS rather than the Immigration Court.
If you believe you may be eligible for residency based on LRIF or have any questions, please contact us or call our office at (703) 385-1130 for a free consultation.
This post was written by Mariana Viera Lugo, Esq.
Disclaimer: The above post was created for informational purposes and for the general welfare of the public. The firm and its attorneys disclaim any liability, damages, or injury to an individual relying on this information, including any negative, adverse or unintended consequences. You should consult an experienced immigration or criminal attorney before taking action because each case is fact specific. Neither does this post create an attorney-client relationship.