Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Persons Who Formulate or Implement Policies That Are Impeding the Transition to Democracy in Liberia or Who Benefit From Such Policies

President Clinton invoked INA § 212(f) to suspend immigrant and nonimmigrant entry into the U.S. for certain Liberian nationals who formulate, implement, or benefit from policies impeding Liberia's transition to democracy, plus their immediate families. The Secretary of State is directed to establish identification procedures and can terminate the suspension when no longer necessary.

Federal Register 59 FR 50683

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Impact dates

Date TBD
Suspension remains until Secretary of State terminates
Sep 30, 1994
Proclamation effective immediately

Key directives

Suspend entry of designated Liberian nationals and their immediate families
Secretary of State to establish identification procedures for covered persons
Secretary of State to determine when suspension is no longer necessary and should be terminated

Who is ordered

Secretary of State · Department of State

Timeline

Immediate

Entry suspension takes effect immediately upon signing (September 30, 1994)
Secretary of State authorized to establish identification procedures

Near term (90d)

State Department to develop and operationalize identification procedures for covered persons

Long term

Suspension remains in effect indefinitely until Secretary of State determines termination is appropriate

Risks & tensions

Vague standard: 'impeding transition to democracy' and 'benefit from such policies' lacks objective criteria, creating discretionary enforcement risk
No due process or appeal mechanism specified for affected individuals
Potential tension with international agreement obligations (Sec. 4 acknowledges but does not resolve)
Indefinite duration with termination delegated solely to Secretary of State creates policy uncertainty