[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 122 (Friday, July 27, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1644]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     TO EXTEND THE DESIGNATION OF LIBERIA UNDER SECTION 244 OF THE 
 IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY ACT SO THAT LIBERIANS CAN CONTINUE TO BE 
                ELIGIBLE FOR TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 27, 2007

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I am honored to rise in 
support of H.R. 3123, which addresses the plight of displaced Liberian 
nationals, a group of people that is of great regional and global 
importance. H.R. 3123 recognizes the importance of extending the 
designation of Liberia under section 244 of the Immigration and 
Nationality Act. I thank the gentleman from Rhode Island, Mr. Kennedy, 
for excellent work in bringing this legislation forward.
  H.R. 3123 extends the designation of Liberian refuges under section 
244(b)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act through September 30, 
2008 and expands the designation of Liberia under the Immigration and 
Nationality Act as a country whose nationals are eligible for temporary 
protected status and work authorization in the United States. In 
addition, H.R. 3123 sets forth eligibility requirements for Liberian 
nationals or persons having no nationality whose last habitual 
residence was Liberia.
  Madam Speaker, let us remember that from 1989 to 1996 the Liberian 
civil war claimed the lives of more than 200,000 Liberians and further 
displaced a million others into refugee camps in neighboring and 
distant countries, including our own. The United States and other 
countries have provided relief to Liberians. By supporting this bill we 
can show our affection and commitment to people of Liberia.
  The United States has a historical connection to all Liberians, but 
we also have a moral responsibility to end the killings and mass 
displacement of innocent citizens. The termination of TPS designation 
of Liberia would place many Liberians that fled to our country for 
refuge at risk of being returned prematurely.
  Madam Speaker, the elimination of TPS designation means that on 
October 2, 2007, former TPS beneficiaries will return to the same 
immigration status they maintained before registering for TPS, or to 
any other status they may have acquired while registered for 
Temporarily Protection Status. Accordingly, if an individual did not 
have lawful immigration status at the time of receiving TPS benefits, 
and did not obtain any other status during the TPS designation period, 
he or she will revert to being without lawful status. Such individuals 
are expected to depart the United States on or before October 1, 2007. 
Those who do not comply with this requirement may be subject to 
removal.
  The Liberian people living in our country deserve better treatment 
and protection than the current Immigration and Nationality Act can 
afford. Congress needs to permit the extension of section 244 which 
enables the people to re-register for temporary protection status and 
work authorization.
  Let us give the Liberian people the respect and protection they need 
by supporting H.R. 3123.

                          ____________________