The Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act (LRIF) created a limited-term program allowing many Liberians living in the United States to apply for permanent residence. Initially, LRIF’s application period opened on December 20, 2019 and was set to expire on December 20, 2020. On January 3, 2021, however, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021, extending the application period for LRIF for another year, until December 20, 2021.
Due to advocacy efforts, the USCIS documentation requirements have become more flexible, though still create obstacles for many. This practice advisory provides a summary of the LRIF law, discusses the administrative guidance and changes in the program, and provides practice tips for overcoming some of the hurdles that applicants may face in applying.