[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 128 (Saturday, August 4, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1767-E1768]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     LIBERIA DESIGNATION EXTENSION

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 30, 2007

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of 
H.R. 3123. This legislation extends the opportunity to

[[Page E1768]]

3,600 Liberians currently residing in the United States to be able to 
remain here under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
  President Johnson Sirleaf has made it very clear that Liberia 
continues to need our support. As Liberia rebuilds after its civil war 
and re-establishes its civil society and government, we must continue 
to work with the Liberian people. Liberians that continue to reside in 
the United States, including the city of St. Paul, need our assistance 
as well. After the civil war Liberians were given the opportunity to 
register for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in this country. Today, 
the opportunity to continue to receive this status is in jeopardy. 
However, this legislation will protect those that need our help.
  On October 1, 2007 the Temporary Protected Status (TSP) of all 
Liberians residing in the United States is set to expire. This will 
create a devastating effect on the opportunity for prosperity and hope 
of Liberian citizens. H.R. 3123 will alleviate this burden Liberians 
face by extending the designation of TPS.
  Not only has United States provided assistance to the people of 
Liberia and its government, but the Liberians who currently reside in 
this country provide aid to the growing economy and families who remain 
in Liberia. The Liberians in the U.S. provide monetary support to 
families in Liberia but equally important is the ability to provide 
their skills, talent and education they have gained living in the U.S. 
to their countrymen that need help.
  During her address to Congress in 2006 President Johnson Sirleaf 
expressed that Liberia needs to continue to receive these remittances 
and aid to help keep their economy stable. If the Liberian community in 
the United States is not granted TPS again and all are required to 
return to Liberia in a short period of time the economy and 
infrastructure of Liberia will not be able to sustain the influx.
  Liberia and its people need our friendship and support and I applaud 
the gentleman from Rhode Island, Mr. Kennedy, for bringing this 
important bill to the Floor. I urge all my colleagues to support this 
bill.

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