Pro Bono Client Secures Permanent U.S. Residency Based on Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Provision

Paul, Weiss obtained permanent residence for a pro bono client based on the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF) provision, which provides an opportunity for certain Liberian nationals and their eligible family members to obtain lawful permanent resident status.

Our client, a 61-year-old Liberian refugee, came to the United States in 2002 as a visitor. His U.S. visa later expired and, for more than a decade, he lived in between Temporary Protected Status and Deferred Enforced Departure. He attempted to submit his LRIF application multiple times, but each time received denials because of incorrect filing. When he met the Paul, Weiss team, he had one more shot to submit his application correctly before the filing period for LRIF applications expired on December 20, 2021. After more than a decade of uncertainty, our client finally got his green card with an acknowledgment that he has been a resident since 2002—making him eligible to become a U.S. citizen.

The Paul, Weiss team included litigation associate Jillian Gray and corporate associate Abigail Sia. The team was supervised by corporate partner Amran Hussein and of counsel Eric Goodison. Pro bono attorney Pradine Saint-Fort also provided invaluable support.