Klobuchar seeks reprieve for Liberians
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, along with six other Democratic senators, is asking Pres. Barack Obama to grant thousands of Liberians living legally in the U.S. a reprieve from imminent deportation.
More than 30,000 Liberians live in Minnesota as refugees from the civil war in their country. Their temporary status is due to expire on March 31st.
Klobuchar says it is important to extend the protected status and, eventually, give them permanent legal status.
"They've been a part of our community in the Twin Cities. They work in our jobs in Minnesota, and we want to make sure they can stay and not go back to a dangerous situation. These Liberians have been living in the United States for almost two decades. They've fled their own country; they were forced from their homes.," said Klobuchar.
The refugees have been granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) status since 1991.
Support Local News
When breaking news happens, MPR News provides the context you need. Help us meet the significant demands of these newsgathering efforts.