Issue Position: Liberian Refugees

Issue Position

My Agenda:

- Allow Liberians in the United States on Temporary Protected Status the opportunity to apply for Permanent Residency Status

- Pass the Liberian Refugee Immigration Protection Act

Protecting Refugees

A bi-partisan bill, introduced by Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) and myself, would allow Liberians in the United States on Temporary Protected Status the opportunity to apply for Permanent Residency Status.

The Liberian Refugee Immigration Protection Act addresses an urgent situation faced by Liberian refugees who have legally come to America (many over a decade ago), established careers, bought homes, raised American-born children and become valued members of their communities.

Personal Story

My wife Sue and I have a unique personal story which led us to become involved in this issue. For almost a year, we had a Liberian refugee stay in our home. This gentleman came from dire circumstances in Liberia, as his wife was brutally assaulted and he was beaten and forced to leave his country. He still has scars from when he was beaten with the blunt end of a rifle.

During the time our friend lived in our home, we developed an appreciation for his culture and were deeply moved by his commitment to his family and his homeland. He pursued higher education and worked several jobs so he could send financial assistance back to Liberia.

Just as Sue and I found with our Liberian friend, America has a special relationship with Liberia. The country was founded as Africa's first republic in 1821 by former American slaves, and Liberia's capital city, Monrovia, is named after American President James Monroe.

Liberia suffered greatly in recent years, and the nation has been torn apart by two long Civil Wars over the past two decades, but Liberia has made great strides in its recovery.

Time For Congress To Act

One of the unintended consequences of the Temporary Protected Status is it didn't foresee that civil wars would continue in Liberia for several years, leaving Liberian refugees in America stuck in a state of flux. Many of the Liberians in America on Temporary Protected Status have now resided here legally for over seventeen years. These men and women could not return to their home countries because of the danger involved, but they also never had the opportunity to become American citizens.

It is time for Congress to end their political limbo and allow these Liberian-Americans to continue in the communities where their children have grown up. At the request of Rep. Kennedy and myself, President Bush, in September 2007, extended TPS for all Liberian refugees in the U.S. through the end of 2008. I will continue to push the Liberian Refugee Immigration Protection Act to give these refugees the chance to continue contributing to American society and to continue playing a pivotal role in furthering Liberia's recovery from years of strife and turmoil.

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