At the beginning of the pandemic, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) temporarily closed their offices to the public to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. USCIS reopened in-person services on June 4, 2020. USCIS staff will continue to perform immigration services that do not involve direct contact with the public.
What does this mean for LRIF applicants?
On December 20, 2019, the President signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). It includes the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF) provision, which allows Liberian nationals who have been continuously living in the United States since November 20, 2014, to apply for lawful permanent residence (a “green card”).
This guide was made together with Undocublack, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, African Communities Together, and Informed Immigrant. The information below is for general educational purposes and is not legal advice.
You qualify for LRIF if you are :
If you meet these requirements, you are generally eligible. This includes Liberian nationals with DED as well as Liberians without lawful immigration status.
Family members of eligible applicants can also apply if they are:
You are NOT eligible if any of the following apply to you:
The following documents are needed to apply for permanent residence and a work permit through LRIF. We recommend you find an immigration attorney or DOJ-accredited legal representative who can assist you with your application.
The deadline to apply for LRIF is December 20, 2021.
I have DED and my work permit expired. What do I do?
On January 20, 2021 the expiration date for DED for Liberians was extended to June 30, 2022. This allows for DED holders to NOT have a gap within your work authorization while you file for permanent residence. This extension is applied automatically to all current DED holders.
DED for Liberians now expires on June 30, 2022.
We strongly recommend applying for a green card with the help from a lawyer. These processes can be very complicated legally. USCIS officers often have lots of flexibility to deny applications. Applying for relief under LRIF with a lawyer’s assistance will benefit you.
Finding a Lawyer
You can use the Informed Immigrant Legal and Service Organization database by searching using your zipcode.
You may find a lawyer through the network of Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc (CLINIC).
You can also search the National Immigration Legal Services Directory to find nonprofits in your area.
For additional resources and information, please visit the following websites:
For information on legal assistance in your region, please visit the following websites:
Atlanta, Georgia:
Bay Area, California
Twin Cities, Minnesota
New York, New York:
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Rhode Island