PhD Student Faces Deportation
Yatta Kiazolu is pursuing her PhD in History at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Recently, she received devastating and concerning news. Much to her surprise, Yatta may not be able to finish her degree despite having temporary visa to remain in the United States, work, and travel abroad. In fact, she might be deported to a country in which she has never called home - Liberia. DED allows beneficiaries to obtain a work permit and travel outside the United States if they are granted advanced permission. DED does not provide a direct pathway to permanent immigrant status or citizenship. Liberia is currently the only country granted DED status. The program expires on March 31st. If DED is allowed to expire, thousands of Liberians may be deported from the United States. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officially states that: "Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) is in the president’s discretion to authorize as part of his power to conduct foreign relations. Although DED is not a specific immigration status, individuals covered by DED are not subject to removal from the United States, usually for a designated period of time." There is growing concern that DED will not be renewed by the Trump administration, due to its push toward anti-migrant and anti-immigrant policies and rule-making. DED now seems like a new target for the administration, following past hits on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Yatta Kiazolu is 28 years old and was born and raised in Botswana, South Africa. However, she is a Liberian citizen. Her parents brought her to the United States at the age of 6 years old. Yatta's parents lived in Liberia before Yatta Kiazolu was born, leaving her in an uncomfortable situation, now potentially deported to a home country in which she has never lived in and does not belong to her.
How Can We Help?
Our Services
More Immigration Blogs
Hear From Our
"One of the top immigration lawyers in Chicagoland. Michael Ibrahim is attentive, supportive, and knowledgeable. One of his best abilities is his availability. He responds to emails with attention and detail, often on the same day. Don't underestimate that in dealing with any immigration matter. He is personable; he does not simply collect fees and treat you like a client but rather like a friend. Your success is his success, and he understands that. If Michael were a surgeon, accountant, or another lawyer in any other field. I would want him. You cannot replicate him.." -Yousef S.
"My wife and I are very thankful for Micheal Ibrahim. Before we hired him, we approached many immigration lawyers over ten years to duplicate documents that were destroyed in a fire. The results were disappointing. Micheal was able to find the lost documents. My wife got her permanent residency. He was always available for us during a stressful time. We would like to thank Michael for his knowledge, professionalism, and expertise. We would definitely recommend Michael for immigration services." -Farzad D.
"Michael took over my case, which had been in immigration proceedings for many years, and I am so glad that he did. He is very professional, kept my husband, and I informed of every step of the process, and gave us the most honest and beneficial advice! Highly recommended for anyone who is in need of a great immigration attorney! Thank you again, Michael!" -Nida F.
