Extending Eligibility for Deferred Enforced Departure for Liberians

This memorandum extends Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) and employment authorization for eligible Liberians who have been continuously present in the U.S. since May 20, 2017, through June 30, 2026. It directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue a Federal Register notice to implement immediate work authorization and replacement documents. The extension maintains protection from removal for approximately 4,000 Liberians covered under the 2022 memorandum.

Federal Register Open PDF 89 FR 55017

Impact dates

Jun 30, 202651d ago
DED and employment authorization expire
Jun 28, 2024
Federal Register notice for employment authorization

Key directives

Extend DED through June 30, 2026 for Liberians eligible under 2022 Memorandum
Extend employment authorization through June 30, 2026
Secretary of Homeland Security to direct Federal Register notice for immediate employment authorization
Secretary of Homeland Security to ensure prompt issuance of new/replacement employment authorization documents
Secretary of Homeland Security authorized and directed to publish memorandum in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

DED extension effective immediately upon signing
Secretary of Homeland Security directed to publish Federal Register notice for employment authorization
prompt issuance of new/replacement employment authorization documents

Near term (90d)

Federal Register notice publication
implementation of employment authorization processes

Long term

DED and employment authorization expire June 30, 2026
potential need for further extension or legislative action

Risks & tensions

Limited to those eligible under 2022 Memorandum; no expansion of eligibility pool
Congressional LRIF adjustment of status pathway remains complex and underutilized
Exclusion categories mirror TPS ineligibility grounds, creating enforcement discretion tensions
Document does not address pathway to permanent status beyond existing LRIF provisions