Obama Extends Liberian Stay

President Obama signed an executive order allowing approximately 3,600 Liberians living in the United States to remain in the country for an additional 12 months. An 18-month extension issued by President George W. Bush was set to expire March 31. The Liberians are staying in the U.S. under deferred enforced departure status.

More than 250,000 Liberians live in the United States, with large enclaves in the Carolinas, Georgia, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island.

Temporary protected status is an immigration status given to nationals of countries or parts of countries that are deemed by the U.S. government to be too unsafe for nationals to return. That status can be granted for reasons like an armed conflict or environmental disaster.