The Trump Administration announced on March 30, 2018 that Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Liberians will end after a 12-month “wind-down” period.  DHS published notice in the Federal Register on employment authorization procedures for Liberian recipients of DED explaining that EADs for Liberians under DED with an expiration date of 3/31/2018 will automatically be extended for an additional six months through 9/30/2018. Instructions were also provided as how to apply for the full 12-month period of employment authorization through 3/31/2019. (83 FR 13767, 3/30/18).

This announcement is yet another termination of an immigration program by the Trump Administration in recent months.  Previously, the Trump Administration announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nicaragua as of 1/5/2019 and El Salvador as of 9/9/2019.  The Administration has not yet decided if Honduras will continue to be designated for TPS; Honduran TPS has been extended to 7/5/2018 with a decision on the program to be made in the near future.

If you or a family member currently have a work permit under TPS or DED (I-765 category (a)(11) or (a)(12)) we encourage you to contact our office and schedule a consultation as soon possible to discuss alternative legal options.