Filing period extended for Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness applicants

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has extended the filing period for those applying for permanent residency under the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness program. The filing period had been set to expire Dec. 20, 2020.

Key Points:

• Applicants filing for adjustment of status under the program now have until Dec. 20, 2021. Applications must be received by USCIS by that date.
• Eligible applicants may also apply for an Employment Authorization Document at the same time or after they file their adjustment-of-status application.
• More information is available on USCIS’ LRIF webpage and its special instructions for LRIF applicants.

Background: In 2018, President Trump moved to terminate the Deferred Enforced Departure program for Liberia, and extended the wind-down period a number of times, most recently until Jan. 10, 2021. The Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness program, enacted on Dec. 20, 2019 under the National Defense Authorization law, allows certain Liberian nationals and eligible spouses and children to apply for green cards if they have been “continually physically present” in the U.S. since Nov. 20, 2014 and meet other eligibility criteria.

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

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