Liberia Designation Extension

Floor Speech

LIBERIA DESIGNATION EXTENSION -- (Extensions of Remarks - August 04, 2007)

* Ms. MCCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3123. This legislation extends the opportunity to 3,600 Liberians currently residing in the United States to be able to remain here under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

* President Johnson Sirleaf has made it very clear that Liberia continues to need our support. As Liberia rebuilds after its civil war and re-establishes its civil society and government, we must continue to work with the Liberian people. Liberians that continue to reside in the United States, including the city of St. Paul, need our assistance as well. After the civil war Liberians were given the opportunity to register for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in this country. Today, the opportunity to continue to receive this status is in jeopardy. However, this legislation will protect those that need our help.

* On October 1, 2007 the Temporary Protected Status (TSP) of all Liberians residing in the United States is set to expire. This will create a devastating effect on the opportunity for prosperity and hope of Liberian citizens. H.R. 3123 will alleviate this burden Liberians face by extending the designation of TPS.

* Not only has United States provided assistance to the people of Liberia and its government, but the Liberians who currently reside in this country provide aid to the growing economy and families who remain in Liberia. The Liberians in the U.S. provide monetary support to families in Liberia but equally important is the ability to provide their skills, talent and education they have gained living in the U.S. to their countrymen that need help.

* During her address to Congress in 2006 President Johnson Sirleaf expressed that Liberia needs to continue to receive these remittances and aid to help keep their economy stable. If the Liberian community in the United States is not granted TPS again and all are required to return to Liberia in a short period of time the economy and infrastructure of Liberia will not be able to sustain the influx.

* Liberia and its people need our friendship and support and I applaud the gentleman from Rhode Island, Mr. Kennedy, for bringing this important bill to the Floor. I urge all my colleagues to support this bill.

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