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Original Date Announced
March 27, 2018Citing improved country conditions, President Trump terminates Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Liberian beneficiaries effective March 31, 2019. A wind-down period extends from March 31, 2018 until full termination. [ID #34]
Presidential Memorandum for the Secretary of State and Secretary of Homeland SecurityEffective Date
March 31, 2019Subsequent Trump-Era and Court Action(s)
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March 28, 2019
Presidential Memorandum on Extension of Deferred Enforced Departure for Liberians
In a Presidential Memorandum, Trump extends the orderly transition (“wind-down”) period affecting Liberian Deferred Enforced Departure beneficiaries from March 31, 2019, to March 30, 2020. Trump decided that it is in the foreign policy interest of the United States to extend the wind-down period given that the situation in West Africa remains concerning, and Liberia is an important regional partner for the United States. Further, extending the wind-down period will preserve the status quo while Congress considers remedial legislation. [ID #130]
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April 3, 2019
USCIS issues EAD filing procedure for eligible Liberians before DED ends, automatically extending EAD eligibility during the DED wind down
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March 20, 2020
Memorandum Extending Wind-Down Period for DED for Liberians
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92) included the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF) Act, permitting eligible Liberians to apply for permanent residence. With the enactment of this provision, President Trump issued a memorandum extending employment authorization to current Liberian DED beneficiaries through January 10, 2021, to facilitate uninterrupted work authorization for those eligible to apply under this law.
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Biden Administration Action: Modified
January 20, 20212021.01.20 Reinstating Deferred Enforced Departure for Liberians
This Biden administration policy modifies the Trump-era policy identified in this entry.
On January 20, 2021, President Biden reinstated Deferred Enforced Departure for Liberians and extends deferral and employment authorization through June 30, 2022.
View DocumentBiden Administration Action: Other
June 27, 2022Memo Extending and Expanding Eligibility for Deferred Enforced Departure for Liberians
On June 27, 2022, DHS and the State Department issued a memorandum extending Deferred Enforced Departure for Liberians and continues deferral and employment authorization through June 30, 2024.
View DocumentBiden Administration Action: Approved/Retained
September 6, 2022Federal Register notice extending and expanding DED eligibility for Liberians
On September 6, 2022, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a Federal Register notice extending and expanding eligibility for Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Liberians and explaining how eligible Liberians may apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs).
View DocumentCurrent Status
Not in effectMost Recent Action
September 6, 2022 Action: Approved/Retained Federal Register notice extending and expanding DED eligibility for LiberiansJanuary 20, 2021Acted on by Biden Administration
June 27, 2022Acted on by Biden Administration
September 6, 2022Acted on by Biden Administration
Original Trump Policy Status
Status: RescindedTrump Administration Action: Presidential OrdersSubject Matter: HumanitarianAgencies Affected: USCISPre Trump-Era Policies
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September 28, 2016
Deferred Enforced Departure for Liberians began in 1991. DED status was last extended by President Obama in September 2016 and set to terminate March 31, 2018.
Presidential Memorandum--Deferred Enforced Departure for Liberians