The Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) status allows citizens from Liberia, and soon, Venezuela, to remain in the country for the time established in the Federal Register and with the option to obtain work authorization.
The DED is a temporary migratory benefit for individuals from designated countries and regions, facing political or civic conflict or natural disaster to stay in the United States.
On January 20, 2021, President Joe Biden issued a proclamation reinstating DED for Liberians. The proclamation has been posted in the Federal Register and it extended DED and work authorization until June 30, 2022, for Liberians who had DED protections that expired on January 10, 2021.
On January 19, 2021, President Trump issued a memorandum granting DED and work authorization to Venezuelans residing in the U.S. as of January 20, 2021 for a period of 18 months and directed the Secretary of Homeland Security to take appropriate measures, but procedures for applying have not been published.
Citizens of Liberia and Venezuela cannot apply if:
- Have voluntarily returned to their country of last habitual residence outside the United States.
- Have not continuously resided in the United States since January 20, 2021.
- Have been convicted of any felony or 2 or more misdemeanors committed in the United States.
- Were deported, excluded, or removed, prior to January 20, 2021.
- Are subject to extradition.
- Whose presence in the country the Secretary of Homeland Security has determined is not in the interest of the United States or presents a danger to public safety.
- Or if the Secretary of State has reasonable grounds to believe that their presence in the country would have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States.
Currently in the United States, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated about 200,000 Venezuelans would be eligible for TPS protection, which would likely be the same number protected by DED.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) estimates about 3,600 Liberians were TPS holders at the time DHS terminated their status in 2007. Only Liberians who held TPS before its termination are eligible for DED. If you believe that you can qualify or know about a friend or family member from one of these countries, we invite you to contact us to the phone number 202 2961111 or schedule a free consultation through our website www.iblf.com/contact
By Rosa Hernandez