ULAA Liberian National Immigration Conference

The Liberian National Immigration Conference was held yesterday at the U.S Capital of Washington D.C., featuring various U.S Congressional leaders, including Senators and Representatives, as well as other prominent Liberians and international personalities. Liberian Ambassador N. Barnes along with his First Secretary at the Embassy near Washington D.C., Chris Nippy, was also present to grace the occasion and actually make a presentation.

At the conference were various Liberians and Liberian organizations, including some of ULAA member-chapters. There were the Ministers who were actively involved in helping to organize the program and they received their deserved recognition for their hard work for the Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) campaign. Also participating were the North Jersey community, the South Jersey Liberian Association, Rhode Island delegation, headed by Nellie Savage, Illinois chapter, Philadelphia, Maryland and Buffalo – New York.

For her part, the ULAA National Executive President, Dr. Mariah Y. Seton, who was also coordinator of the immigration mobilization activities, headed a large delegation. Her delegation included Liberians from various chapters, including Illinois, Maryland, Buffalo-New York, Virginia and other chapters.

Some members of the ULAA Boss’ official delegation include the duly elected Chairman of the National Board of Directors, J. Nan Larsah, Jr., ULAA Social Service Chairperson Charlotte Henderson, Oretha Beh, President of the Buffalo-New York Chapter, Rev. Elizabeth Toe and Marjay Quito of New York among others. The well-known and promising Baltimore based international radio talk show host and human rights activist, Jordan Porompyae, was also on hand to lift his voice for his fellow Liberians.

A formal position statement of the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA) on the Liberian Immigration Campaign was presented to Councilman At Large Donald S. Payne, Jr. In her statement, the ULAA Chief Executive, Dr. Mariah Y. Seton, lavished praises upon the major stakeholders in the United States Congress for their fervent and unflinching support to the cause of Liberian immigration. Below is excerpt of the ULAA Position Statement:

“Again today, as the deadline has once more crept upon us, and realizing the adversely far-reaching implications arising from the failure to positively impact the current deadline for the Deferred Enforced Departure (DED), scheduled to expired any day from now, ULAA and all Liberians everywhere find themselves overwhelmed by the prospect of the potentially damaging consequences of the collapse of the hopes of thousands of needy Liberian families.

We remain mindful of the toll inherent in the failure to grant reprieve for DED and adjust Liberians’ immigration status and the outcome it portends for Liberia’s newfound democracy and mushrooming economy.

However, with God above and given the interest demonstrated by, and the participation of, various stakeholders, we are prayerful and optimistic that there is an answer.”

It can be recalled that official invitation was recently extended to the ULAA Boss to attend the Liberian National Immigration Conference, which convened in the District of Columbia on yesterday. Consistent with her track record of commitment to and sacrifice for the causes of her fellow Liberian citizens, Dr. Seton traveled from Chicago, Illinois to Washington D.C. along with others in order to stand up and speak on behalf of her fellow Liberians.

 Following very warm reception in the hall, Rhode Island Senator and chief sponsor of the Liberian Immigration Act Bill, Jack Reed, sounded very optimistic, while acknowledging that “DED for this year presents a somewhat challenging task.” Senator Reed spoke highly of the Rhode Island Liberian community and their commitment and dedication.

Please stay tuned as the ULAA Public Affairs Bureau will be bringing you more details and pictorials from the Liberian National Immigration Conference.