Employment authorization extended for Liberian residents covered under Deferred Enforced Departure

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has provided updated information on how Liberian residents covered by Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) can apply for employment authorization.

Key Points:

• Liberian DED-related Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) have been automatically extended through June 30, 2024, for those with an A-11 Category Code whose card expiration date is March 30, 2020, Jan. 10, 2021, or June 30, 2022.
• Eligible Liberian nationals covered by DED as of June 30, 2022, can remain in the U.S. through June 30, 2024.
• Liberian nationals (or those without nationality who last resided in Liberia) who have been continuously physically present in the U.S. since May 20, 2017, and meet DED eligibility requirements are protected from removal from the U.S.
• Liberian residents can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by submitting a completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization and can apply for travel authorization by submitting Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.

Additional information: Eligibility requirements for Liberian residents who are covered by DED are based on the terms described in a June 27 White House directive and any relevant requirements established by the Department of Homeland Security. A Federal Register notice published last week is available here.

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

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