    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [September 27, 1999]
    [Page 1611]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Postponing Deportation of Certain Liberians from the United
    States
    September 27, 1999

        Today I directed the Attorney General and the
    Immigration and Naturalization Service to defer for one year from
    September 29 the deportation of certain Liberians who are present in the
    United States on that date. This action is aimed at promoting stability
    in Liberia and west Africa. In particular, I am concerned that a
    decision by our Government to deport Liberians who have enjoyed the
    protection of our country for many years could cause governments in west
    Africa to deport many thousands of Liberians in their own countries.
    This would severely burden Liberia and threaten the fragile peace that
    has been recently achieved in west Africa. Furthermore, this action
    preserves the status quo for these Liberians while the Congress actively
    considers legislative relief for them.