Walberg, Kennedy, Ellison Introduce Liberian Refugee Immigration Protection Act of 2007

Press Release

WALBERG, KENNEDY, ELLISON INTRODUCE LIBERIAN REFUGEE IMMIGRATION PROTECTION ACT OF 2007

Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI) Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy (D-RI) and Congressman Keith Ellison (D-MN) today introduced bipartisan legislation, the "Liberian Refugee Immigration Protection Act of 2007," which would allow Liberians in the United States on Temporary Protected Status the opportunity to apply for Permanent Residency status.

"I am proud to work with my colleagues to help Liberian refugees who left their war torn homeland to escape death and pursue the American dream," said Congressman Tim Walberg. "These Liberian refugees abide by our laws, work hard, know English and raise their families with strong values in America, many for over a decade. It is time for us to end their political limbo and allow them to continue following the American dream here in the communities where their children have grown up."

Congressman Walberg participated in an interview with the Voice of America radio program, broadcast across Africa, about the legislation. The interview is available here.

"Thousands of Liberians who live in Rhode Island and America have rebuilt their lives here, have contributed to their communities, and have raised American-born children," said Congressman Patrick Kennedy. "They should have the chance to become the full-fledged Americans that they want to be. Furthermore, from the United States, they are in a strong position to not only continue their contributions to American society, but at the same time, they can also continue to play a pivotal role in furthering Liberia's recovery from years of strife and turmoil."

"Minnesota is home to one of the largest Liberian communities in the United States, and their contributions to our communities have enriched our social fabric," said Congressman Keith Ellison. "These are families who have been in this country for nearly 20 years; they have established families, homes and businesses of their own; they attend our schools and pay taxes. They are not numbers to be subtracted from our census rolls and routinely sent back to a land some have never lived in. That is the antithesis of a nation that prides itself on family values. This legislation keeps families together, strengthens our communities and embraces the fundamental foundation of an immigrant nation."

Currently, all Liberian refugees living in the United States have Temporary Protected Status (TPS) until October of this year, when it is due to expire. His Excellency Charles A. Minor, Liberia's Ambassador to the United States, announced the Liberian Government's full support of this legislation and similar legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Jack Reed.

"On behalf of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the Government and the people of Liberia fully support the Liberian Refugee Immigration Protection Act, legislation introduced by Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy, with Congressman Tim Walberg and Congressman Keith Ellison, which would allow Liberians currently living in the United States to eventually become legal permanent residents of the United States. The Government and the people of Liberia also fully support similar legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Jack Reed, the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act, which would achieve the same goal."

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