In a recent and significant development, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced updated procedures for granting employment authorization to Liberians who are currently covered by Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). This follows President Biden’s recent extension of DED for Liberians, which has been extended through June 30, 2025. The extension ensures that eligible Liberians can remain in the U.S. temporarily without facing deportation and can apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) to continue legally working in the country.
What is Deferred Enforced Departure (DED)?
Deferred Enforced Departure is a temporary, discretionary immigration benefit granted by the U.S. President. DED provides certain foreign nationals with a stay of removal (i.e., protection from deportation) for a specified period in this case due to unstable political conditions, conflicts in their home country Liberia. Individuals covered by DED are also typically eligible to apply for employment authorization during the DED period.
For Liberians, DED has been in place for several years, offering critical protection and work authorization to those who may otherwise be forced to return to a country grappling with various socio-political challenges.
President Biden’s Extension of DED for Liberians
On June 27, 2023, President Joe Biden extended DED for Liberians for an additional two years, until June 30, 2025. This extension acknowledged the ongoing challenges in Liberia, including economic instability and political tensions, which make it unsafe for some individuals to return.
This extension benefits thousands of Liberians currently residing in the U.S., many of whom have built lives, established careers, and contributed significantly to the American economy and society. The move aligns with the broader goal of ensuring humanitarian protection for vulnerable populations.
Applying For Employment Authorization
To maintain or obtain the ability to work legally in the U.S. during this DED period, eligible Liberians must apply for or renew their Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). USCIS has set out detailed instructions for affected individuals.
Eligibility – USCIS New Employment Authorization
Only Liberians who are covered by the DED extension qualify for this program. Applicants must meet all the eligibility requirements outlined in the Presidential Memorandum and the USCIS guidelines.
- To apply for an Employment Authorization Document, individuals must file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization which can be filed either online or via mail.
- Applicants are required to pay a filing fee when submitting Form I-765. However, those who may not be able to afford the fee can request a fee waiver by filing Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver.
- Along with Form I-765, applicants must provide documentation proving their identity, nationality, and eligibility under the DED designation. This may include copies of passports, previous EADs, and other relevant immigration documents.
Renewal of Employment Authorization Documents
For Liberians who already hold an EAD under the previous DED extension, renewing their employment authorization is necessary if the expiration date on their current EAD is approaching. Renewals must be done well in advance to avoid any employment eligibility gaps.
After the application has been submitted, USCIS will review and process the form. If additional evidence or documentation is needed, USCIS will issue a request for further information. Once the application has been approved, applicants will receive their updated EAD, which allows them to legally work in the U.S. for the duration of the DED extension, until June 30, 2025.
As part of the announcement, USCIS has automatically extended the validity of certain expired or soon-to-expire EADs issued under the previous DED for Liberians through June 30, 2025. This automatic extension is intended to give affected individuals more time to renew their documents without experiencing interruptions in employment.
Employers are encouraged to review the official guidance provided by USCIS on how to process employees whose EADs have been automatically extended. Read here.
