[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 182 (Wednesday, September 20, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 55000-55004]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-7785]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

[CIS No. 2384-06; DHS Docket No. USCIS-2006-0048]
RIN 1615-ZA39


Termination of the Designation of Liberia for Temporary Protected 
Status; Automatic Extension of Employment Authorization Documentation 
for Liberia TPS Beneficiaries

AGENCY: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of 
Homeland Security.

ACTION: Notice of termination of temporary protected status for 
Liberia.

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SUMMARY: Following a review of country conditions and consultations 
with the appropriate Government agencies, the Secretary of the 
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has determined that the temporary 
protected status (TPS) designation of Liberia should be terminated. 
This termination will not take effect until October 1, 2007, to provide 
for an orderly transition. This Notice informs the public of the 
termination of the Liberia TPS designation and sets forth procedures 
for nationals of Liberia (or aliens having no nationality who last 
habitually resided in Liberia) with TPS to re-register for TPS 
benefits. Re-registration is limited to persons who have previously 
registered for TPS under the designation of Liberia and whose 
application was granted or remains pending. Liberians (or aliens having 
no nationality who last habitually resided in Liberia) who have not 
previously been granted TPS, or who do not already have a pending 
application for TPS under the designation for Liberia, may not file 
under late initial filing provisions. Late initial filings (LIFs) are 
only allowed during an extension of a designation of TPS.
    Given the timeframes involved with processing TPS re-registrants, 
DHS recognizes that re-registrants might not receive a new EAD until 
after their current EAD expires on October 1, 2006. Accordingly, this 
Notice automatically extends the validity of EADs issued under the 
designation of TPS for Liberia for six months through April 1, 2007, 
and explains how TPS beneficiaries and their employers may determine 
which EADs are automatically extended. New EADs with an expiration date 
of September 30, 2007, will be issued to eligible TPS beneficiaries who 
timely re-register and apply for an EAD.

DATES: Effective Dates: The termination of Liberia's TPS designation is 
effective 12:01 a.m., local time, October 1, 2007. To maintain TPS 
benefits through the 12 months leading up to the effective date of the 
termination, Liberian TPS beneficiaries must comply with the re-
registration requirements described in this Notice. The 60-day re-
registration period begins September 20, 2006 and ends November 20, 
2006.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matthew Horner, Status and Family 
Branch, Service Center Operations, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration 
Services, Department of Homeland Security, 20 Massachusetts Avenue, 
NW., 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20529, telephone (202) 272-1505. This is 
not a toll free number.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Abbreviations and Terms Used in This Document

Act--Immigration and Nationality Act
ASC--USCIS Application Support Center
DHS--Department of Homeland Security
DOS--Department of State
EAD--Employment Authorization Document
Secretary--Secretary of Homeland Security
TPS--Temporary Protected Status
USCIS--U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

[[Page 55001]]

What authority does the Secretary of Homeland Security have to 
terminate the designation of TPS for Liberia?

    Section 244(b)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (Act), 8 
U.S.C. 1254a(b) authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security, after 
consultation with appropriate agencies of the Government, to designate 
a foreign state (or part thereof) for TPS. The Secretary may then grant 
TPS to eligible nationals of that foreign state (or aliens having no 
nationality who last habitually resided in that state). 8 U.S.C. 
1254a(a)(1)(A).
    At least 60 days before the expiration of the TPS designation, or 
any extension thereof, the Secretary, after consultation with 
appropriate agencies of the Government, must review the conditions in a 
foreign state designated for TPS to determine whether the conditions 
for the TPS designation continue to be met. 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3)(A). If 
the Secretary determines that the foreign state no longer meets the 
conditions for the TPS designation, he must terminate the designation. 
Such termination may not take effect earlier than 60 days after the 
date the Notice of termination is published in the Federal Register. 8 
U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3)(B). The Secretary may determine the appropriate 
effective date of the termination for the purpose of providing an 
orderly transition. 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3)(B); 8 U.S.C. 1254a(d)(3).

Why did the Secretary decide to terminate the designation of Liberia 
for TPS?

    On August 25, 2004, the Secretary of Homeland Security published a 
Notice in the Federal Register at 63 FR 52297 re-designating Liberia 
for TPS due to ``extraordinary and temporary conditions'' caused by the 
past armed conflict that prevented aliens from returning to Liberia in 
safety. The Secretary announced an extension of this TPS designation on 
August 16, 2005, determining that the conditions warranting such 
designation continued to be met. 70 FR 48176.
    Over the past year, DHS and the Department of State (DOS) have 
continued to review conditions in Liberia. Based on this review, DHS 
has determined that the TPS designation of Liberia should be terminated 
because the extraordinary and temporary conditions that formed the 
basis of the designation have improved such that they no longer prevent 
Liberians (or aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided 
in Liberia) from returning to their home country in safety.
    The uncertain situation that characterized the immediate aftermath 
of the armed conflict's end and the temporary and extraordinary 
conditions caused by the long war have improved. With the assistance of 
a large and robust peacekeeping mission, Liberia is now entering a 
long-term phase of reconstruction and rehabilitation and there exists a 
democratically-elected government with the capacity to accept the 
return of its nationals. Indeed, the United Nations High Commissioner 
for Refugees (UNHCR) decided in February 2006 to shift its policy from 
``facilitating'' to ``promoting'' the voluntary repatriation of 
Liberian refugees based on the existence of conditions for refugees to 
return in ``safety and dignity.'' (UNHCR Briefing Notes, ``Liberia: 
UNHCR to promote voluntary repatriation following positive changes,'' 
February 17, 2006). Further, UNHCR has withdrawn its recommendation 
(put forward last year) in favor of a moratorium on forced returns of 
rejected Liberian asylum-seekers stating that, in regard to individuals 
found not to be eligible for refugee status under the 1951 Convention 
or OAU Convention, as applicable, UNHCR would have no objection to 
their possible return to Liberia. (UNHCR Position on International 
Protection Needs of Asylum-Seekers from Liberia, March 31, 2006). While 
much remains to be done after years of armed conflict and the 
destruction and neglect that accompanied it, UNHCR organized the return 
of more than 50,000 Liberian refugees as of April 2006. More than 
151,000 Liberians refugees have returned spontaneously due to the 
cessation of hostilities and presence of UN peacekeeping troops. Nearly 
300,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have also returned. While 
the situation remains fragile, progress has been made in Liberia and a 
majority of the objectives in the Government of Liberia's 150-day 
Action Plan are either on track to be completed or due to commence 
shortly.
    Based upon this review, the Secretary, after consultation with 
appropriate Government agencies, determined that the extraordinary and 
temporary conditions that prompted the re-designation of Liberia for 
TPS no longer prevent Liberians (or aliens having no nationality who 
last habitually resided in Liberia) from returning to their home 
country in safety, and that the designation of Liberia for TPS should 
be terminated. See 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3)(A) (describing procedures for 
periodic review of TPS designations); 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3)(B) 
(describing procedures for terminating a TPS designation).

If I currently have benefits through the TPS designation of Liberia and 
would like to maintain those benefits until the effective date of the 
termination (October 1, 2007), do I need to re-register for TPS?

    Yes. If you already have received TPS benefits through the 
designation of Liberia for TPS, your benefits will expire on October 1, 
2006. All Liberian TPS beneficiaries must comply with the re-
registration requirements described below to maintain TPS benefits 
through September 30, 2007. TPS benefits include temporary protection 
against removal from the United States, as well as employment 
authorization, during the TPS designation period. 8 U.S.C. 1254a(a)(1), 
1254a(f). Failure to re-register without good cause will result in the 
withdrawal of your temporary protected status and possibly your removal 
from the United States. 8 U.S.C. 1254a(c)(3)(C). TPS beneficiaries who 
fail, without good cause, to re-register on time will not be issued a 
new EAD valid through September 30, 2007.

If I am currently registered for TPS or have a pending application for 
TPS, how do I re-register to renew my benefits until the effective date 
of the termination (October 1, 2007)?

    All persons previously granted TPS under the designation of Liberia 
who would like to maintain such status and those whose applications 
remain pending but who wish to renew their benefits, must re-register 
by filing the following:
    (1) Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, without 
fee;
    (2) Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (see the 
chart below to determine whether you must submit the one hundred and 
eighty dollar ($180) filing fee with Form I-765 (for which a fee waiver 
may be requested));
    (3) A biometric services fee of seventy dollars ($70) if you are 14 
years of age or older, or if you are under 14 and requesting an EAD 
extension. The biometric services fee will not be waived. 8 CFR 
103.2(e)(4)(i), (iii); and
    (4) A photocopy of the front and back of your EAD if you received 
an EAD during the most recent registration period.
    When filing Form I-821, it is important to place your Alien 
Registration Number on your application. You may find your Alien 
Registration Number, also known as your ``A Number,'' listed below your

[[Page 55002]]

name on your EAD. In addition, please note that you do not need to 
submit photographs with your TPS application because a photograph will 
be taken, if needed, when you appear at an USCIS Application Support 
Center (ASC) for collection of biometrics.
    Aliens who have previously registered for TPS but whose 
applications remain pending should follow these instructions if they 
wish to renew their TPS benefits. All TPS re-registration applications 
submitted without the required fees will be returned to the applicants.

What edition of the Form I-821 should be submitted?

    Form I-821 has been revised. Only Forms I-821 with revision dates 
of November 5, 2004 or later will be accepted. The revision date can be 
found on the bottom right corner of the form. Submissions of older 
versions of Form I-821 will be rejected. You may obtain immigration 
forms, free of charge, on the Internet at http://www.uscis.gov or by 
calling the USCIS forms hotline at 1-800-870-3676.

Who must submit the $180 filing fee for the Form I-765, Application for 
Employment Authorization?

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   If                                  Then
------------------------------------------------------------------------
You are applying for an extension of     You must complete and file the
 your EAD valid through September 30,     Form I-765, Application for
 2007.                                    Employment Authorization, with
                                          the $180 fee.
You are not applying for an extension    You must complete and file Form
 of your EAD.                             I-765 (for data-gathering
                                          purposes only) with no fee.
You are applying for an extension of     You must complete and file: (1)
 your EAD and are requesting a fee        Form I-765 and (2) a fee
 waiver.                                  waiver request and affidavit
                                          (and any other supporting
                                          information) in accordance
                                          with 8 CFR 244.20.
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Applicants who are only seeking to re-register for TPS and are not 
requesting an EAD or applying for an extension of their EAD should not 
check any of the following boxes on the I-765 (Application for 
Employment Authorization) in response to the question ``I am applying 
for:''
    Permission to accept employment;
    Replacement (of lost employment authorization document);
    Renewal of my permission to accept employment (attach previous 
employment authorization document).
    If a TPS applicant is not applying for an EAD and he or she 
incorrectly checks any of these boxes without submitting a $180 fee 
with his or her Form I-765, the processing of their application may be 
delayed.

Who must submit the $70 biometric services fee?

    The $70 biometric services fee must be submitted by all aliens 14 
years of age and older who: (1) Have previously been granted TPS and 
are now re-registering for TPS; or (2) have an initial application for 
TPS currently pending, have an EAD bearing the notification ``C-19'' on 
the face of the card under ``Category'' and wish to renew temporary 
treatment benefits. In addition, any alien, including one who is under 
the age of 14, choosing to apply for a new EAD or an extension of an 
EAD must submit the $70 biometric services fee. This biometric services 
fee will not be waived. 8 CFR 103.2(e)(4)(i), (iii).

When should I submit my re-registration application for TPS?

    Applications must be filed during the 60-day re-registration period 
from September 20, 2006 until November 20, 2006. You are encouraged to 
file the application as soon as possible after the start of the 60-day 
re-registration period.

Where should I submit my re-registration application for TPS?

    To facilitate efficient processing, USCIS has designated two post 
office (P.O.) boxes with the Chicago Lockbox for the filing of TPS 
applications. The type of TPS re-registration application you submit 
will determine the P.O. Box where your application must be submitted. 
Certain applications for TPS re-registration may also be electronically 
filed or ``E-Filed.'' See below for further filing instructions. Please 
note that applications should not be filed with a USCIS Service Center 
or District Office. Failure to file your application properly may delay 
the processing of your application.
    Category 1: Applications for re-registration that do not require 
the submission of additional documentation and applications to renew 
temporary treatment benefits must either be electronically filed (``E-
Filed'') (see below) or filed at this address: U.S. Citizenship and 
Immigration Services, P.O. Box 6943, Chicago, IL 60680-6943.
    Or, for non-United States Postal Service (USPS) deliveries: U.S. 
Citizenship and Immigration Services, Attn: TPS--Liberia, 427 S. 
LaSalle--3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60605-1029.
    E-Filing Your Application: If your application falls into Category 
1, you are strongly encouraged to E-File your application. During the 
re-registration period from September 20, 2006 to November 20, 2006, 
aliens re-registering for TPS and those renewing temporary treatment 
benefits under this designation may electronically file Form I-821, 
Form I-765, and associated fees by using E-Filing at the USCIS Internet 
site, http://www.uscis.gov. In order to properly re-register using E-
Filing, aliens must begin the E-Filing process by completing Form I-821 
online. After the Form I-821 is completed, the system will then 
automatically link the alien to Form I-765. E-filing will only be 
available during the 60-day re-registration period. Attempts to E-file 
after the re-registration period ends November 20, 2006 will not be 
accepted. Aliens whose application falls into Category 2 (explained 
below) may not E-File and must send their application materials to the 
USCIS Chicago Lockbox at the address listed below.
    Category 2: Aliens who are filing a re-registration application 
that requires the submission of additional documentation cannot e-file 
and must file at the P.O. Box listed below: U.S. Citizenship and 
Immigration Services, P.O. Box 8677, Chicago, IL 60680-8677.
    Or, for non-United States Postal Service (USPS) deliveries: U.S. 
Citizenship and Immigration Services, Attn: TPS--Liberia--[EOIR/
Additional Documents], 427 S. LaSalle--3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60605-
1029.


    Note: Please make sure to indicate either ``EOIR'' or 
``Additional Documents'' on the ``Attn:'' line, as appropriate, 
after ``Liberia,'' above.


    Applications for re-registration require the submission of 
supporting documentation under the following circumstances:
    (A) If one or more of the questions listed in Part 4, Question 2 of 
Form I-821 apply to the alien, then the alien must submit an 
explanation, on a separate sheet(s) of paper, and/or additional 
documentation.
    (B) If the alien was granted TPS by an Immigration Judge or the 
Board of

[[Page 55003]]

Immigration Appeals, then the alien must include evidence of the grant 
of TPS (such as an order from the Executive Office for Immigration 
Review (EOIR)) with his or her application package.

Are certain aliens ineligible for TPS?

    Yes. There are certain criminal and security-related 
inadmissibility grounds that render an alien ineligible for TPS. 8 
U.S.C. 1254a(c)(2)(A)(iii). Further, aliens who have been convicted of 
any felony or two or more misdemeanors committed in the United States 
are ineligible for TPS, as are aliens described in the bars to asylum. 
8 U.S.C. 1254a(c)(2)(B), 1158(b)(2)(A). Aliens should also note that an 
individual granted TPS will have his or her TPS withdrawn if the alien 
was not in fact eligible for TPS, fails without good cause to timely 
re-register, or, with some exceptions, fails to maintain continuous 
physical presence in the United States from the date the alien first 
was granted TPS. 8 U.S.C. 1254a(c)(3)(A)-(C).

Am I eligible to receive an automatic extension of my EAD from October 
1, 2006, through April 1, 2007?

    To receive an automatic extension of your EAD, you must be a 
national of Liberia (or an alien having no nationality who last 
habitually resided in Liberia) who has applied for and received an EAD 
under the TPS designation for Liberia and who has not had TPS withdrawn 
or denied. This automatic extension is limited to EADs (1) issued on 
Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document, (2) bearing an 
expiration date of October 1, 2006, and (3) bearing the notation ``A-
12'' or ``C-19'' on the face of the card under ``Category'.

If I am currently registered for TPS under the designation of Liberia 
and I am re-registering for TPS, how do I receive a new EAD after the 
six-month automatic extension expires?

    TPS re-registrants will receive a notice in the mail with 
instructions to appear at an ASC for biometrics collection. When you 
report to the ASC, you must bring the following documents: (1) Your 
receipt notice for your re-registration application; (2) your ASC 
appointment notice; and (3) your current EAD. If no further action is 
required for your case, you will receive a new EAD, valid through 
September 30, 2007, through the mail. If your case requires further 
resolution, USCIS will contact you in writing to explain what 
additional information, if any, is necessary to resolve your case. If 
such application is approved, you will receive a new EAD in the mail 
with an expiration date of September 30, 2007.

May I request an interim EAD at my local District Office?

    No. USCIS will not issue interim EADs to TPS applicants and re-
registrants at District Offices.

How may employers determine whether an EAD has been automatically 
extended for six months through April 1, 2007, and is therefore 
acceptable for completion of the Form I-9?

    For purposes of verifying identity and employment eligibility or 
re-verifying employment eligibility on the Form I-9 through April 1, 
2007, employers of Liberian TPS beneficiaries whose EADs have been 
automatically extended by this Notice must accept the EAD, if it is 
presented and reasonably appears on its face to be genuine and to 
relate to the employee, as a valid ``List A'' document. Employers 
should not ask for additional Form I-9 documentation and should not 
request proof of Liberian citizenship. An EAD that has been 
automatically extended for six months by this Notice through April 1, 
2007, will actually contain an expiration date of October 1, 2006, and 
must be a Form I-766 bearing the notation ``A-12 `` or ``C-19'' on the 
face of the card under ``Category.'' New EADs showing the April 1, 
2007, expiration date of the six-month automatic extension will not be 
issued.
    This action by the Secretary of Homeland Security through this 
Federal Register Notice does not affect the right of an applicant for 
employment or an employee to present any legally acceptable document as 
proof of identity and eligibility for employment.
    Employers are reminded that the laws requiring employment 
eligibility verification and prohibiting unfair immigration-related 
employment practices remain in full force. This Notice does not 
supersede or in any way limit applicable employment verification rules 
and policy guidance, including those setting forth re-verification 
requirements. See 8 CFR 274a.2(b)(1)(vii) (employer re-verification 
requirements). For questions, employers may call the USCIS Office of 
Business Liaison Employer Hotline at 1-800-357-2099 to speak to a USCIS 
representative. Also, employers may call the U.S. Department of Justice 
Office of Special Counsel for Immigration Related Unfair Employment 
Practices (OSC) Employer Hotline at 1-800-255-8155 or 1-800-362-2735 
(TDD). Employees or applicants may call the OSC Employee Hotline at 1-
800-255-7688 or 1-800-237-2515 (TDD) for information regarding the 
automatic extension. Additional information is available on the OSC Web 
site at http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/osc/index.html.

How may employers determine an employee's eligibility for employment 
once the automatic extension has expired, between April 1, 2007, and 
the effective date of the termination of the TPS designation of Liberia 
on October 1, 2007?

    TPS beneficiaries who successfully re-register will possess an EAD 
with an expiration date of September 30, 2007. This EAD must be 
accepted for the purposes of verifying identity and employment 
authorization. Employers are reminded that the laws requiring 
employment eligibility verification and prohibiting unfair immigration-
related employment practices remain in full force, as described above.

What can an employee present to an employer for purposes of completing 
Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification?

    Qualified individuals who have received a six-month extension of 
their EADs by virtue of this Federal Register Notice may present a TPS-
based EAD to their employer, as described above, as proof of identity 
and employment authorization through April 1, 2007. To minimize 
confusion over this extension at the time of hire or re-verification, 
qualified individuals may also present a copy of this Federal Register 
Notice regarding the automatic extension of employment authorization 
documentation through April 1, 2007. After April 1, 2007, employees may 
present a new EAD valid through September 30, 2007.
    As an alternative to the aforementioned options, any legally 
acceptable document or combination of documents listed in List A, List 
B, or List C of the Form I-9 may be presented as proof of identity and 
employment eligibility; it is the choice of the employee.

Does TPS lead to lawful permanent residence?

    No. TPS is a temporary benefit that does not lead to lawful 
permanent residence by itself or confer any other immigration status. 8 
U.S.C. 1254a(e), (f)(1), (h). When a country's TPS designation is 
terminated, TPS beneficiaries will maintain the same immigration status 
they held prior to TPS (unless that status has since expired or been 
terminated), or any other status they may have acquired while 
registered for TPS. Accordingly, if an alien held no lawful immigration

[[Page 55004]]

status prior to being granted TPS and did not obtain any other status 
during the TPS period, he or she will revert to unlawful status upon 
the termination of the TPS designation. Once the Secretary determines 
that a TPS designation should be terminated, aliens who had TPS under 
that designation are expected to plan for their departure from the 
United States and may apply for other immigration benefits for which 
they may be eligible.

How does my TPS affect my eligibility to apply for other benefits?

    TPS does not prevent an alien from applying for another immigration 
benefit, such as non-immigrant status, adjustment of status based on an 
immigrant or employment-based petition, or asylum. Likewise, the grant 
of another immigration status has no bearing on your TPS. 8 U.S.C. 
1254a(a)(5). For the purposes of change of status and adjustment of 
status, an alien is considered as being in, and maintaining, lawful 
status as a nonimmigrant during the period in which the alien is 
granted TPS. 8 U.S.C. 1254a(f)(4). The grounds for denying one 
immigration benefit, however, may also be grounds for denying or 
withdrawing TPS. For example, a person who has been convicted of a 
particularly serious crime is not eligible for asylum or TPS. 8 U.S.C. 
1158(b)(2)(A)(ii), 1254a(c)(2)(B)(ii).

Are nationals of Liberia (or aliens having no nationality who last 
habitually resided in Liberia) who entered the United States after 
October 1, 2002, eligible for TPS?

    No. This Notice terminating the TPS designation for Liberia does 
not change the required dates of continuous residence and continuous 
physical presence in the United States for Liberians (or aliens having 
no nationality who last habitually resided in Liberia) wishing to 
extend their TPS benefits until the effective date of the termination 
(October 1, 2007). This Notice does not expand TPS eligibility beyond 
the current TPS requirements for the Liberia designation. To be 
eligible for continued benefits until the effective date of the 
termination of the TPS designation of Liberia, nationals of Liberia (or 
aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided in Liberia) 
must have been continuously physically present in the United States 
since August 25, 2004, and continuously resided in the United States 
since October 1, 2002.

May I register under the late initial registration provisions at this 
time?

    No. Certain nationals of Liberia (or aliens having no nationality 
who last habitually resided in Liberia) who have not previously applied 
for TPS cannot establish eligibility for TPS under the ``late initial 
registration'' provisions. Late initial filings are only permitted 
during an extension of a TPS designation, pursuant to 8 CFR 
244.2(f)(2), whereas the TPS designation of Liberia is being 
terminated. Thus, Liberians (or aliens having no nationality who last 
habitually resided in Liberia) who have not previously filed for TPS 
and been granted, or who do not already have a pending application for 
TPS under the designation for Liberia, may not file under late initial 
filing provisions. Late initial registration applications submitted to 
USCIS under the Liberia designation will be denied.

How does the termination of TPS affect nationals of Liberia (or aliens 
having no nationality who last habitually resided in Liberia) who 
currently receive TPS benefits?

    Once the termination of Liberia's TPS designation becomes effective 
on October 1, 2007, these TPS beneficiaries will maintain the same 
immigration status they held prior to TPS (unless that status has since 
expired or been terminated), if any, or any other status they may have 
acquired while registered for TPS. Accordingly, if an alien held no 
lawful immigration status prior to being granted TPS and did not obtain 
any other status during the TPS period, he or she will revert to 
unlawful status upon the effective date of termination of the TPS 
designation (October 1, 2007).
    At that time, former TPS beneficiaries will no longer be eligible 
for a stay of removal or employment authorization based on TPS. TPS-
related EADs issued under the Liberia designation will not be renewed 
or extended.
    Termination of the TPS designation for Liberia does not necessarily 
affect pending applications for other forms of immigration relief or 
protection. Former TPS beneficiaries, however, will begin to accrue 
unlawful presence as of October 1, 2007, if they have not been granted 
any other immigration status or protection or if they have no pending 
application for certain benefits. An alien is deemed to be unlawfully 
present in the United States if the alien is present in the United 
States after the expiration of the period of stay authorized or is 
present in the United States without being admitted or paroled. See 8 
U.S.C. 1182(a)(9)(B), (C) (aliens unlawfully present).

Notice of Termination of the Designation of Liberia for TPS

    By the authority vested in the Secretary of Homeland Security under 
section 244(b)(3) of the Act, the Secretary determined on August 2, 
2006, after consulting with the appropriate Government agencies, that 
the conditions that prompted designation of Liberia for TPS no longer 
support the TPS designation. Accordingly, the Secretary orders as 
follows:
    (1) The designation of Liberia under section 244(b)(1)(C) of the 
Immigration and Nationality Act is terminated effective 12:01 a.m., 
local time, October 1, 2007. 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3)(B), (d)(3).
    (2) There are approximately 3,600 nationals of Liberia (or aliens 
having no nationality who last habitually resided in Liberia) who have 
been granted TPS and who may be eligible to re-register, in accordance 
with the terms and conditions set forth in this Notice, for continued 
TPS benefits until the effective date of the termination (October 1, 
2007).
    (3) To maintain TPS and related benefits until the effective date 
of the termination (October 1, 2007), a national of Liberia (or an 
alien having no nationality who last habitually resided in Liberia) who 
was granted TPS and who has not had TPS withdrawn must re-register 
during the 60-day re-registration period from September 20, 2006 until 
November 20, 2006.
    (4) To re-register, aliens must follow the aforementioned filing 
procedures set forth in this Notice.
    Information concerning the termination of the designation of 
Liberia for TPS will be available at local USCIS offices upon 
publication of this Notice and on the USCIS Web site at http://www.uscis.gov.

    Dated: September 6, 2006.
Michael Chertoff,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 06-7785 Filed 9-18-06; 12:07 pm]
BILLING CODE 4410-10-P