Universal Human Rights International (Boston)
Torli H. Krua
3 May 2004
press release
On Monday, May 03, 2004, work permit for an estimated 4000 Sierra Leonean refugees previously granted Temporary Protected Status, (TPS) by the US government expired resulting in the denial of employment authorization for many families. Considering the heinous crimes against humanity that forced Sierra Leoneans to flee to the USA, we urge President Bush to grant Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to the Sierra Leoneans as a humanitarian gesture. With DED comes a one-year work permit to keep these people supporting themselves while Congress considers work on a national immigration reform act.
Since their arrival, Sierra Leoneans have worked hard to firmly establish themselves as law-abiding members of our communities. Many own their own homes and businesses, and are members of our churches and YMCAs. They are also parents of hundreds of American-born children and have established in careers that contribute to America. Forcing these law-abiding survivals of torture to return to their native country against their will is bad for America, the communities in which Sierra Leoneans reside and their American-born children.
One reason for granting DED is because America is at the verge of a national immigration reform that may benefit these refugees. Many immigration bills are being introduced in Congress to bring relief to undocumented immigrants as well as oppressed survivals of torture among whom are Liberians and Sierra Leoneans. The Liberian Refugee Fairness Act introduced by Patrick J. Kennedy, D-RI and the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2004 introduced by Congresswoman Shelia Jackson-Lee, D-TX, are two of the bills being introduced.
The request for DED for Sierra Leoaneans is nothing new. In the past, the US government has granted Temporary Protected Status, (TPS) and eventually permanent residency to over 50,000 Chinese, 150,00 Nicaraguans, 50,000 Guatemalans, and scores of refugees from Kosovo. With the impending national immigration reform legislations, it is our hope that Sierra Leoneans would stand to benefit.
Granting work permit to African refugees residing in the USA serves to enhance U.S. national security interest, global security, freedom and world peace. "...recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world..." Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Torli H. Krua is president of the Universal Human Rights International (UHRI).
Be the first to Write a Comment!
Copyright © 2004 Universal Human Rights International. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).
AllAfrica aggregates and indexes content from over 125 African news organizations, plus more than 200 other sources, who are responsible for their own reporting and views. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica.
