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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY August 7, 2003 BCIS Announces Extension of Temporary Protected Status
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) today announced a 12-month extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of Liberia. The extension of TPS for Liberia is effective from October 1, 2003 to October 1, 2004. Nationals of Liberia who have been granted TPS must re-register for the 12-month extension during the 60-day re-registration period which begins on August 6, 2003, and will remain in effect until October 6, 2003. Under the extension, those who have already been granted TPS are eligible to live and work in the United States for an additional year and continue to maintain their status. There are approximately 2,700 nationals of Liberia (or aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided in Liberia) who are eligible for re-registration. Section 244 of the Immigration and Nationality Act authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to grant TPS to aliens in the United States who are nationals of countries that are subject to ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or extraordinary and temporary conditions. Based on the armed conflict in Liberia, TPS was most recently designated for nationals of Liberia on October 1, 2002. After reviewing country conditions and consulting the Department of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security has determined that armed conflict persists in Liberia and requiring the return of its nationals would pose a serious threat to their personal safety. "Extending TPS to Liberians for another year is both the practical and humane thing to do, and it underscores this Administration’s commitment to assisting the war-torn nation in its recovery," said BCIS Director Eduardo Aguirre. For more information, please read the Liberia Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Questions and Answers, which will be posted with this news release on the BCIS Public Affairs web page. Additional information is available on the BCIS website: www.bcis.gov, or by calling BCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. On March 1, 2003, the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) became one of three former INS components to join the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The BCIS is charged with fundamentally transforming and improving the delivery of immigration and citizenship services, while enhancing the integrity of our nation’s security. -BCIS- |
Last Modified 08/07/2003