USCIS Extends Deferred Enforced Departure/Employment Authorization for Liberians
On March 26, 2009, President Obama extended Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for qualifying Liberian nationals. DED is used by the President as an exercise of his constitutional power to conduct foreign relations, and provides qualifying individuals a temporary stay of removal, as well as employment authorization. In response to the President's announcement, the USCIS extended employment authorization documents (EADs) for Liberian nationals through March 31, 2010. Qualifying Liberian nationals can take steps to obtain new EADs to allow them to continue working lawfully in the United States. They may continue working lawfully under this provision through September 30, 2009, without new EADs, but must have new EADs in hand to continue working after that date. The President's memorandum can be read here. The USCIS announcement and its Questions/Answers on DED can be read here and here. The Federal Register notice explaining the DED/EAD application procedure and how employers can update their I-9s can be read here.
