Liberian “Deferred Enforced Departure” (DED) Resources
March 23, 2018
Rev. J. Edwin Lloyd of Whosoever Will Christian Church in Md.
The current designation of “Deferred Enforced Departure” (DED) that is currently protecting nearly 4,000 Liberians in the U.S. is set to expire on MARCH 31st of 2019. The decision to potentially renew or eliminate this status is made by the President only. If DED is not extended, thousands of Liberians would lose their work authorization and be vulnerable for deportation IMMEDIATELY. Consequences upon individuals and families, which would be torn apart, would be devastating! As Disciples, our congregations such as Whosoever Wills Christian Church in Beltsville, Md. would likewise be negatively impacted—as their membership is comprised of 85% Liberian immigrants.
Rev. J. Edwin Lloyd of Whosoever Will Christian Church in Md.; Patrice Lawrence with the UndocuBlack Network; and Rev. Dr. Sharon Stanley-Rea.
See Rev. J. Edwin Lloyd, Pastor, together with partners from UndocuBlack and Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries, here—as they advocated on Capitol Hill for Liberians last week. Many Disciples clergy at the Black Ministers Retreat recently signed a letter that included support for Liberians with DED. And this week, over 600 national faith leaders and organizations signed a letter also urging renewal of DED status for Liberians.
Black Minister’s Retreat
Go here to learn more about Liberian DED, and see ways faith partners are working to maintain this protection.
Also, email or call the White House to encourage the President to protect Liberians with DED by going here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/get-involved/write-or-call/
