Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness requirements clarified

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently updated its guidance regarding eligibility requirements for adjustment of status under Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF).

Key Points:

• The updated guidance clarifies what secondary evidence an applicant can submit to establish Liberian nationality when applying for adjustment of status. Evidence that will be accepted includes but is not limited to:
  • Expired Liberian passports.
  • Baptismal records or other religious documents.
  • School or medical records.
• USCIS will use all information provided as well as the applicant’s testimony given during an interview to evaluate an adjustment of status case.
• The updated guidance can be found in the USCIS Policy Manual. More information is available on the USCIS’ LRIF webpage and Form I-485 webpage.

Additional Information: As part of the National Defense Authorization Act for 2020, the LRIF allows Liberian nationals and eligible spouses and dependents to apply for permanent residence until Dec. 20, 2021, if they have been continually physically present in the U.S. since Nov. 20, 2014. Applications must be received by Dec. 20 to be considered for permanent residence.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@balglobal.com.

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