Georgetown Law & UBN Life on Hold

Table of Contents INTRODUCTION

2 3 3 4 4 4 5 7 7 9

PART I: A SNAPSHOT OF THE BLACK IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCE Brief Introduction to the Black Immigrant Experience Black Immigrants: Targeted, Harmed, Erased, and Ignored

Racism and Anti-Blackness in the United States

Criminalization of Black Immigrants

How Selected Immigration Laws and Policies Affect Black Immigrants Temporary Forms of Relief for Black Immigrants: DACA, TPS, & DED

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

Temporary Protected Status Deferred Enforced Departure

10 11 12 12 13 13 16 16 17 18 19 19 19 20 20 20 21 21 22 22 22 23 23 24 26 26 27 27 28 31

CONCLUSION

PART II: LIBERIAN REFUGEE IMMIGRATION FAIRNESS (LRIF) Tracing Temporary Status for Liberians in the United States

A Brief History of Liberia

Intertwining Grants of TPS and DED for Liberia

LRIF: A Historic Comprehensive, Permanent Form of Relief

History of the Passage of LRIF The Enduring Significance of LRIF

LRIF’s Opportunities

LRIF’s Obstacles

Failure to Conduct Necessary Outreach Failure to Publish Timely Policy Guidance

Failure to Account for Logistical Hurdles, COVID-19, and New Requirements

Failure to Adhere to Statutory Intent Inconsistent Fee Waiver Grants

Failure to Recognize and Act On Low Application Rates

CONCLUSION

PART III: MOVING FORWARD

Immigration Policies and Legislation on the Horizon

The Dream and Promise Act of 2021 - H.R. 6

Recent Immigration Litigation

DACA Litigation TPS Litigation

Recommendations for Improving TPS, DED, and LRIF

Recommendations for Improving TPS Recommendations for Improving DED

Recommendations for Improving LRIF: Executive Action Recommendations for Improving LRIF: Legislative Action

APPENDIX