Liberia: 'Government Supports the Extension of TPS,' Says Vice President Boakai

28 May 2007
Government of Liberia (Monrovia)

Vice President Joseph N. Boakai has assured Liberians in the United States that the Unity Party led Government is in full support of the extension of the Temporary Protective Status (TPS) and would continue to appeal to the U.S Government to extend the stay of those on the TPS.

He said contrary to rumors being circulated that he and his delegation were in that country to ask the American government to send them home, the Liberian Government was grateful to the American Government for the support given Liberians in the US and to Liberia.

Vice President Boakai made the remarks Sunday when he met with a cross-section of Liberians including officials and members of the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas and officials and members of the Organization of Liberians, in Minnesota.

U.S Congressman Keith Ellison as well as Minnesota State and local government officials also graced the meeting.

The Liberian Vice President said while realizing that there is no place like home, the fact however remains that Liberia cannot absorb a mass influx of people returning home at this time.

He said the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf led administration also supports the Liberian Immigration Bill introduced in the U.S. Senate and Congress, and was grateful to Congressman Keith Ellison for sponsoring the Green Card Bill.

Vice President Boakai reminded the Liberians that the post-conflict reconstruction process is huge, and that all Liberians need to move as rapidly and as consistently as possible to transform Liberia into a country of hope and economic prosperity.

He thanked Liberians in the Diaspora for the tremendous sacrifices and contributions they continue to make to the Liberian economy and the sustenance of the country.

"At the same time, we must register our regrets and compunction at the recent shameful wave of deportation of Liberians from this country. We are appalled at the crimes that Liberians are said to have committed. This is a disturbing trend as Liberians have long been known to be a humble and peaceful people," Vice President Boakai said.

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