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MemoMemorandumTrump 45 · R

Presidential Memorandum

Extension of Deferred Enforced Departure for Liberians

This memorandum extends Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Liberian nationals for an additional 12 months, through March 30, 2020, with continued work authorization. It delays a previously scheduled termination of DED that was set to expire March 31, 2019, citing foreign policy interests and pending congressional action.

Federal Register Open PDF 84 FR 12867

Impact dates

  1. DED termination effective for all Liberian beneficiaries

  2. DED wind-down period and employment authorization end

Key directives

  • Extend DED wind-down period through March 30 2020
  • Continue employment authorization through March 30 2020
  • Terminate DED effective March 31 2020
  • Publish memorandum in Federal Register
  • Exclude certain categories of Liberians from protection

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • DED protection continues beyond March 31 2019 expiration
  • Employment authorization continues

Near term (90d)

  • Federal Register publication of memorandum

Long term

  • DED termination effective March 31 2020
  • Potential congressional legislation during extension period

Risks & tensions

  • Creates one-year cliff for ~4,000 beneficiaries if Congress fails to act
  • Foreign policy rationale may conflict with administration's broader restrictionist posture
  • Uncertainty about 'remedial legislation' that was never enacted
Presidential Memorandum: Extension of Deferred Enforced Departure for Liberians · Executive Orders