From the history book: 2007 – ULAA leadership at the US State Department – Washington DC During my tenure (2006 – 2008) as President of ULAA, more than 10,000 Liberians were scheduled to be deported, because Temporary Protected Status (TPS) was about to be expired. Accordingly, the US government had determined that Liberia was peaceful and the political conditions were stable, therefore no need for TPS. ULAA Leadership said “It will not hold” and no Liberian will be deported. In Partnership with the Embassy of Liberia in Washington, ULAA member chapters, friends of Liberia and our partners, ULAA leadership developed a decentralized strategy that empowered each ULAA member chapter to contact their respective congress person and to make the case for Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Liberians. After receiving many calls from some members of the US House and Senate, the US State Department invited ULAA leadership to Washington DC to discuss our concerns. ULAA was represented by Veteran leader Anthony V. Kesselly, National Secretary Isaac Zawolo and National President Emmanuel S. Wettee. The Liberian Embassy was represented by Ambassador Charles Manor. Cllr. Christiana Tah, immediate pass Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the Republic of Liberia offered to provide legal guidance to the ULAA leadership. Also Cllr Chesson volunteer her services to the ULAA delegation. ULAA made the case for DED, asked for 24 months, no fees for Employment Authorization and Travel Document. As a direct result of our meeting at the US State Department, Liberians got DED for 18 months, no fees for Employment Authorization and Liberians on DED were allowed to apply for Travel Document. Many thanks to this current ULAA leadership of President Gaye D. Sleh, Jr. for visiting the State Department and making the case for DED.
Posted on: Wed, 08 Oct 2014 01:01:29 +0000