Last week, the Bush Administration announced that it is extending the Temporary Protected Status for Liberian nationals who currently reside in the United States The Associated Press reports that the 18-month extension will affect some 3,600 Liberian refugees. Citizens of the African nation were given protected status domestically ever since a civil war at home began nearly two decades ago.
"Although the armed conflict in Liberia ended in 2003, and conditions have improved, I have found that the political and economic situation in Liberia continues to be fragile," President Bush said in a memo to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.
Liberian refugees are primarily concentrated in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Philadelphia and Providence , R.I; an estimated 2,500 live in Minnesota . James Kolliee, leader of the Liberian Immigration Solidarity Committee, which pushed for the extension at the Minnesota State Capitol last year, said Bush’s decision falls short of the permanent residence many Liberians had hoped for, but it buys them valuable time. "We are going to start working on the permanent residency goal immediately," Kollie said. "We are going to treat every day as if temporary status ended tomorrow."
Most of the awareness of Liberian nationals’ legal status originated in Minnesota , with many of the state’s employers and community leaders backing lobbying efforts. Employers feared a serious shortage of employees once the old protected status expires, and state officials were worried that a sudden glut of homes and apartments would depress real estate markets.
Minnesota ’s entire congressional delegation also supported the Liberians’ bid to stay at least another year. "The Liberian community has become an important part of the social fabric of Minnesota – they are our neighbors and our co-workers," said Sen. Amy Klobuchar. "While Liberia continue to be unstable, it is important that our Liberian community is able to continue to call Minnesota home. This 18-month extension will allow us to continue our pursuit of a more permanent solution."
The other Minnesota Senator, Sen. Norm Coleman noted that "with Liberia still struggling to rebuild and stabilize following years of civil strife, the country is simply not ready to absorb these people yet."
