For one year only, certain Liberians living in the United States may have a path to permanent residence. Under the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF) Act, enacted on December 20, 2019, a national of Liberia who has been continuously present in the United States since November 20, 2014 – or the individual’s spouse, child, or unmarried son or daughter – may be eligible to apply to adjust his or her status to legal permanent resident. Exclusions from the program only include individuals convicted of an aggravated felony, persons convicted of two or more crimes involving moral turpitude, and those who ordered, incited, assisted, or participated in persecution on the basis of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
Applications must be received by United States Citizenship & Immigration Services by December 20, 2020, and certain grounds of inadmissibility, including public charge and unlawful entry, do not apply. Individuals in removal proceedings or with prior orders of removal may also be eligible.
If you think you may be eligible for relief under LRIF, act fast to preserve this opportunity.
Kristin Zech is a Partner at Berenzweig Leonard, LLP. She can be reached at kzech@berenzweiglaw.com.