Evangelical Christian Leaders in concert with the Universal Human Rights International (UHRI) have reinforced their plea for all Liberians living in the United States to be granted work permits.
The group of mainly white Americans are seeking Congressman Jim McGovern’s sponsorship of a ‘Dear Colleague’ letter from Congress to President Donald J. Trump on behalf all Liberians in the United States who have been denied work permits for 16 years.
The faith-based leaders–both whites and blacks from Liberia and the U.S- re-echoed their call when they met Congressman Jim McGovern.
“Emancipation with compensation: Work permits for all Liberians,” says Rev. Torli Krua of the Universal Human Rights International.
There are approximately 4,000 Liberians currently in the United States without work permits, including mothers of children with citizenship airlifted in the summer of 2003, as part of President Bush’s operation Shining Express (OSE).
FLASHBACK: Liberian mothers and their American children being airlifted from Monrovia in 2003
Upon arrival, the Liberian Mothers and their American born children are said to have been denied protected status and work permits.
“Sir, as you can see from the diversity of those present here today, this is not a Liberian issue. America is committing an unthinkable human rights violation”, said Rev. Torli H. Kruah, founder of UHRI, who also led the delegation to the Congressman.
He lamented that the Liberian mothers are not only finding difficulty making ends meet; their lives are at risk particularly during winter seasons.
“Ironically, similarly situated Liberians who also fled on their own from the same brutal civil war earlier enjoy work permits” Rev. Torli argued.
Responding, Congressman McGovern thanked the delegation for sharing their plight, adding, “These stories are powerful and they help us understand the problem and how we can help.”
He assured that upon their return in September. “I don’t know about this president but I believe in miracles”,. When we return in September we will work with you to get this done.”
He said he got involved with TPS
with the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) matters in 1983 when he worked as an aide of the late Massachusetts Congressman John Moakley, when e was sent to El Salvadorians in America facing similar problems.
TPS, he said, started as an initiative to help one El Salvadoran before subsequently becoming a bill that is now benefitting ten countries.
Rev. Krua said: Despite fierce advocacy for 16 years, including lawsuits & protests, the African American children of Liberian parents have been neglected and forgotten by Liberian and American authorities. The children suffer trauma from the war and were indefinitely separated from their Liberian family members they left behind.
Furthermore, the Boston-based rights advocate said the situation makes it not only impossible for mothers to care for their children but actually putting the lives of mothers and children at serious risks every winter. Ironically, similarly situated Liberians who also fled on their own from the same brutal civil war earlier enjoy work permits.
“Sir, as you can see from the diversity of those present here today, this is not a Liberian issue. America is committing an unthinkable human rights violation.” Krua said. These people are human beings-Liberian and American Citizens but they have not been treated humanely.” Rev. Krua stressed.