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S.R. No. 252, as introduced: 90th Legislative Session (2017-2018) Posted on May 9, 2018
1.1A Senate resolution
1.2recognizing the importance of the federal Deferred Enforcement Departure (DED) for 1.3Liberians. 1.4WHEREAS, after civil war began in Liberia in 1989, thousands of residents fled to the 1.5United States, including many who settled in Minnesota; and 1.6WHEREAS, Deferred Enforcement Departure or DED is a discretionary decision made by 1.7the President to protect a class of individuals; those with DED status are given a work permit and 1.8protection from deportation; and 1.9WHEREAS, President George W. Bush initially designated Liberians for DED in 2007 and 1.10subsequent extensions have been given and President Donald Trump recently announced that the 1.11latest extension until March 31, 2019, will be the last extension; and 1.12WHEREAS, an estimated 4,000 Liberians without alternative opportunities to remain in the 1.13United States will lose protection when DED expires next year and Minnesota has one of the largest 1.14Liberian communities in the country, estimated at 30,000; and 1.15WHEREAS, community members, political leaders of both parties, and religious and business 1.16leaders have publicly advocated against the end of DED for Liberians and the end of DED for 1.17Liberians is detrimental to individuals, families, and to the interests of residents of the State of 1.18Minnesota; and 1.19WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota values and respects the inherent worth of every person, 1.20regardless of immigration status, and welcomes the cultural and economic contributions of Liberians 1.21and their families; and 1.22NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the State of Minnesota that it 1.23recognizes the importance that Deferred Enforcement Departure has had for Liberians in both 1.24Minnesota and across the nation and encourages its continued extension. 2.1BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is directed to prepare an 2.2enrolled copy of this resolution, to be authenticated by the Secretary's signature and that of the 2.3Chair of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, and transmit it to the Organization for 2.4Liberians Minnesota.
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