Audio By Carbonatix
U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday ordered an end to special legal status for certain immigrants from Liberia, including some who have lived in the United States for decades, citing improved conditions in the West African country.
The immigration status of Liberians was set to expire at midnight on March 31, 2018, and has now been extended to March 31, 2019.
“Liberia is no longer experiencing armed conflict and has made significant progress in restoring stability and democratic governance,” according to a memorandum signed by Trump and released by the White House.
Trump has pursued a crackdown on legal and illegal immigration since becoming president.
Some Liberians have been eligible for either Temporary Protected Status or Deferred Enforced Departure since March 1991 due to civil wars, fragile political and economic conditions and an Ebola virus outbreak in 2014, the memorandum said.
“Liberia has also concluded reconstruction from prior conflicts, which has contributed significantly to an environment that is able to handle adequately the return of its nationals,” Trump said.
“The 2014 outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease caused a tragic loss of life and economic damage to the country, but Liberia has made tremendous progress in its ability to diagnose and contain future outbreaks of the disease,” he said.
A 12-month “wind-down” period starting March 31, 2018, would allow the Liberian government to prepare to re-integrate returning citizens and give time for affected Liberians to “make necessary arrangements,” according to the memorandum, which was addressed to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The Liberian Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. DHS officials did not immediately respond to a request seeking numbers of those who will be affected.
Trump previously included three other African countries, Chad, Somalia and Libya, among several whose citizens were blocked from entering the United States.
Somalia’s former president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud became the highest-profile public figure to be affected by the travel ban when his hosts in the United States cancelled planned lectures explaining that he had been denied a visa.
African politicians and diplomats blasted Trump in January after he was reported to have used vulgar language to describe African countries and Haiti, with some calling him a racist. Trump later denied making the remark.
Latest Stories
-
Fennis wins second consecutive ITF J60 title in Accra
2 minutes -
Spain beat England in thriller after Kane penalty miss
8 minutes -
GPL 2026/27: Zaidan’s late goal ends Hearts of Oak unbeaten start
12 minutes -
CEOs demand clarity on pay harmonisation, board autonomy as FWSC engages SOEs bosses over IPEC transition
14 minutes -
2026 Women’s Super Cup: FC Savannah, Epiphany Warriors maintain top spots ahead of final group games
23 minutes -
‘Is EOCO responsible for determining lawyers’ fees?’ – Baffour Awuah
24 minutes -
David Beckles claims second J60 Accra title
51 minutes -
No France cocaine suspect linked to Mahama, Vice President’s security details – NACOC
58 minutes -
Anwelle Foundation launched in Jirapa to tackle poverty, youth unemployment
1 hour -
Joy Sports Editor Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo to moderate inaugural Music Meets Football Summit in Zambia
1 hour -
Court premises too volatile for Baffour Awuah’s attempted arrest by EOCO – Inusah Fuseini
2 hours -
Drug bust: Under no circumstances will NACOC leadership be compromised – Twum-Barimah
2 hours -
VIDEO: EOCO’s attempted arrest of Baffour Awuah was flawed beyond saving – Law Lecturer
2 hours -
Genuine Ghanaian exporters may face heightened foreign inspections over drug busts – Lawyer
2 hours -
Stakeholders demand action against foreign-led illegal mining in Ahafo Region
3 hours