Speech #1100085104

I rise in strong support of H.R. 3123 and want to thank the gentleman from Rhode Island. my friend Congressman KENNEDY. for his leadership and hard work on this issue. This bill provides support and assistance to our ally Liberia. during a critical time in its social and economic reform and recovery. Specifically. this bill extends until October 1. 2008. the designation of Liberians living in this country under Temporary Protected Status. TPS. The Department of Homeland Security estimates that only 3.600 Liberians are currently eligible for TPS. Many of these Liberians have been in the U.S. for more than 16 years. and all of them have been here for a minimum of 5 years. TPS is a temporary immigration status granted to eligible nationals of designated countries. In 1990. as part of the Immigration Act of 1990. Congress established a procedure by which the Attorney General. and now DHS. may provide TPS to people in the United States who are temporarily unable to safely return to their home country because of ongoing armed conflict. an environmental disaster. or other extraordinary and temporary conditions. During the period for which a country has been designated for TPS. TPS beneficiaries may remain in the United States and may obtain work authorization. However. TPS does not lead to permanent resident status. and TPS holders are not illegal immigrants. Since 1989. Liberia has been ravaged by two brutal civil wars. which have destabilized the region. displaced hundreds of thousands of people. and destroyed the countrys economy and infrastructure.