Congress Approves Bill Providing Pathway to Citizenship for Some Liberians

Posted on December 18, 2019 by Jodi Boyne

Congress has approved legislation that will provide some Liberian immigrants in Minnesota and across the country permanent residency and a path to citizenship. The bill is expected to be signed into law yet this year.  

Under the bill, Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) holders would be eligible to apply for permanent status as part of a provision included in the widely supported National Defense Authorization Act.

LeadingAge Minnesota strongly supported this legislation and worked with our congressional delegation and local media to raise awareness and support for the bill. We extend our appreciation to Senator Tina Smith and Senator Amy Klobuchar for co-sponsoring this legislation and their leadership in securing its passage.  

According to the bill, DED holders are eligible to apply for permanent residency if they’ve been living in the United States continuously since Nov. 20, 2014 and not been absent for more than a total of 180 days. They would need to apply within one year of the bill becoming law.