HF 1811

as introduced - 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) Posted on 02/17/2020 04:43pm

A resolution
urging the President of the United States to continue the federal Deferred Enforcement
Departure (DED) for Liberians.

WHEREAS, after civil war began in Liberia in 1989, thousands of residents fled to the United
States, including many who settled in Minnesota; and

WHEREAS, Deferred Enforcement Departure or DED is a discretionary decision made by
the President to protect a class of individuals; and

WHEREAS, President George W. Bush initially designated Liberians for DED in 2007 and
subsequent extensions have been given; and

WHEREAS, President Donald Trump recently announced that the latest extension until
March 31, 2019, will be the last extension; and

WHEREAS, those with DED status are given a work permit and protection from deportation;
and

WHEREAS, an estimated 4,000 Liberians without alternative opportunities to remain in the
United States will lose protection when DED expires next year; and

WHEREAS, Minnesota has one of the largest Liberian communities in the country, estimated
at 30,000; and

WHEREAS, community members, political leaders of both parties, and religious and business
leaders have publicly advocated against the end of DED for Liberians; and

WHEREAS, ending DED for Liberians will have life-changing and even tragic life-or-death
consequences; and

WHEREAS, the end of DED for Liberians is detrimental to individuals, families, and to the
interests of residents of the State of Minnesota; and

WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota values and respects the inherent worth of every person,
regardless of immigration status, and welcomes the cultural and economic contributions of Liberians
and their families; NOW THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature urges the President of the United States continue
DED for Liberians; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature calls upon the Congress of the United
States to create an opportunity for all Liberians who have been protected under DED to apply for
permanent residency; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of State of the State of Minnesota is directed
to prepare copies of this memorial and transmit them to the President and Vice President of the
United States, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, the President and the Secretary
of the United States Senate, the Minority Leader of the United States Senate, the Speaker and the
Clerk of the United States House of Representatives, the Minority Leader of the United States
House of Representatives, and Minnesota's Senators and Representatives in Congress.