Smith, Phillips Call for Extension for Liberians

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. (AP) — Sen. Tina Smith and Rep. Dean Phillips are trying to rally support for extending the legal status of thousands of Minnesota Liberians facing possible deportation.

The two Democrats held a news conference Sunday. They have pressed President Donald Trump to extend the temporary legal status for native Liberians living in Minnesota and across the U.S.

Trump decided last March to end the Deferred Enforced Departure program that dates to 2007. The program protects about 4,000 Liberian immigrants who came from the African nation to escape environmental disasters and war.

Minnesota Public Radio reports Smith says people who have lived for decades in the U.S. since fleeing civil war in Liberia could face deportation as early as March 31.

Minnesota has one of the largest populations of Liberians in the country.