The USCIS has released an updated policy memo this week in regards to Liberians in the United States filing for an adjustment of status (AOS). As many know, one of the pieces of evidence that is required for an I-485 application is proof of one's nationality; the country they have emigrated from. Unfortunately, due to political turmoil and laws that forbid some residents in the country to obtain citizenship, especially if they are not of African origin, some who have fled the country and have re-settled in the United States are now having trouble filing for an AOS.

The USCIS has stated however, that there are other pieces of evidence that Liberians without a claim of nationality, can present in order to justify and make their I-485 application legitimate. These include the following:

1.     Proof of an application for a Liberian passport, or a current or unexpired passport.

2.     Proof of an application to renew an expired Liberian passport.

3.     Proof of communication with the Liberian government authorities responsible for issuing primary evidence.

4.     Proof of Liberian school records or medical records. 

In addition, the USCIS has made an announcement that those who documentarily qualify for an adjustment of status based on the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF) to submit their completed applications by December 20th, 2021.

For more information on this announcement, please see the full policy memo, available here: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/policy-update-liberian-refugee-immigration-fairness-lrif