1.1 	A resolution
1.2 	urging the President of the United States to continue the federal Deferred Enforcement 
1.3 	Departure (DED) for Liberians.
1.4 	WHEREAS, after civil war began in Liberia in 1989, thousands of residents fled to the United 
1.5 	States, including many who settled in Minnesota; and
1.6 	WHEREAS, Deferred Enforcement Departure or DED is a discretionary decision made by 
1.7 	the President to protect a class of individuals; and
1.8 	WHEREAS, President George W. Bush initially designated Liberians for DED in 2007 and 
1.9 	subsequent extensions have been given; and
1.10 	WHEREAS, President Donald Trump recently announced that the latest extension until 
1.11 	March 31, 2019, will be the last extension; and
1.12 	WHEREAS, those with DED status are given a work permit and protection from deportation; 
1.13 	and
1.14 	WHEREAS, an estimated 4,000 Liberians without alternative opportunities to remain in the 
1.15 	United States will lose protection when DED expires next year; and
1.16 	WHEREAS, Minnesota has one of the largest Liberian communities in the country, estimated 
1.17 	at 30,000; and
1.18 	WHEREAS, community members, political leaders of both parties, and religious and business 
1.19 	leaders have publicly advocated against the end of DED for Liberians; and
1.20 	WHEREAS, ending DED for Liberians will have life-changing and even tragic life-or-death 
1.21 	consequences; and
1.22 	WHEREAS, the end of DED for Liberians is detrimental to individuals, families, and to the 
1.23 	interests of residents of the State of Minnesota; and
2.1 	WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota values and respects the inherent worth of every person, 
2.2 	regardless of immigration status, and welcomes the cultural and economic contributions of Liberians 
2.3 	and their families; NOW THEREFORE,
2.4 	BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature urges the President of the United States continue 
2.5 	DED for Liberians; and
2.6 	BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature calls upon the Congress of the United 
2.7 	States to create an opportunity for all Liberians who have been protected under DED to apply for 
2.8 	permanent residency; and
2.9 	BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of State of the State of Minnesota is directed 
2.10 	to prepare copies of this memorial and transmit them to the President and Vice President of the 
2.11 	United States, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, the President and the Secretary 
2.12 	of the United States Senate, the Minority Leader of the United States Senate, the Speaker and the 
2.13 	Clerk of the United States House of Representatives, the Minority Leader of the United States 
2.14 	House of Representatives, and Minnesota's Senators and Representatives in Congress.