|
Dashing the Hope of Thousands of Liberians - An Appeal to President Bush
Sep 11, 2007
Varfley A. Dolleh
Introduction:
In the wake of the pending removal of the thousands of Liberians on the Temporary Protective Status (TPS), granted as result of the aftermath of the despicable civil war in Liberia, it is only prudent that we add our voice to the hundreds of advocates calling and appealing to President George W. Bush for a reprieve in ensuring that the deportation proceeding is not effected as we awaits the expiration date.
Historical Reality:
Amidst cries for cessation of hostility among the belligerent forces, it was no mistake when the “US Government” saw the need to come to the aid of the desperate Liberians in search of respite from the protracted and wanton destruction of human rights. With the thunderous voices of civil society organizations, Congressional Leader, human rights advocates and local Liberian organizations, it was no mistake when the “US Government” decided to create the various immigration programs geared toward helping those Liberians that were in need of assistance, with the present program being of no exception. As a result of the program, thousands of Liberians were saved from deportation preceding that would have affected the societal growth in Liberia.
Ellen Proclamation:
In the wake of the state of confusion regarding whether or not, the “US Government will muscle the will power to effect the plan deportation of the thousands of Liberians benefiting from the good will gesture is yet to be digested. As it appears now, many are blaming the President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for declaring that all were fine in Liberia during her famous address of the US Congress, in Washington DC. Although, it is not known from what context she may have made the statement. But, one thing is certain, it impacted the decision of the USG Government in deciding the fate these vulnerable Liberians. As a former Case Manager of the “USG Resettlement Program”, in Trenton, NJ. I am aware of the intricacies involve in decision making when public declarations are made, especially by a foreign leader, couple with security variables from the receiving Country. Counting on our past strategies, I think we are on the right track through advocacy for the reprieve we are yearning for at this crucial moment.
Economic implication:
With the infusion of millions of dollars by the “United States Government” in ensuring that the young democracy is sustained, it will be economically suicidal if these Liberian were deported home at this time. Many of these taxpayers are income earners who have been helping in sustaining the Liberian economy. Millions are remitted home annually helping to maintain the economic vibrancy and potentiality of the young democracy. Apart, in the absence of the remittance, the thousands of unemployed Liberians in the absence of the means of production could be left in a state of limbo. What could be the implication on the nation? It must be noted that with the availability the needed US dollars on the market off setting the exchange rate on the market continues to help in reducing the prices of needed commodities on the Liberian market. This is a healthy development that must be upheld.
Security Consideration:
Reading Political Economics, one is told that the economic condition of a country is equated to it national security. In short, you can’t devoice security from economics. In a Country, where you have economic liberalism, you will definitely have security stability. What will happen to the nation, if these people were sent back home today stopping the floor of the millions being used to up keep the ordinary citizens? This could be chaotic leading to spontaneous uprising that could undermine the security of the Country. We urge the policy makers at the “Capitol Hill and the White House” to have second thought before unplugging the final bacon of hope. It is a burning and sentimental issue that is creating nerve break down in many homes that are prone of being affected if the proposed law is effected. We beg on behalf of our brothers and sisters for another reprieve based on humanitarian grounds.
To President Bush:
We are mindful of your effectiveness and your resolves in aborting tyranny and the institutionalization of sanity in war torn Countries, with Liberia being of no exception. We are aware of your concern in the rebuilding of our country with the infusing of millions. We are thankful of the receptiveness you have accorded our President igniting reciprocation by other Presidents. It is not because of lack of patriotism that we ask for a reprieve at this time from not going home. We are concern that this is not the rightful moment to effect such a decision taking into consideration the socio-economic and political condition of our mother Liberia. In the wake of the enumerations provided supra, it is our ardent hope that you will have mercy on us in reversing any decision of effecting a possible deportation as we awaits the dead line.
To The Community:
We call on you to continue your advocacies in calling your congressional leaders and the white House in making your points to them. Apart, we urge you not to relent in continuing your daily prayer for the Omnipotent Allah to guide us righteously in the wake of this great uncertainty.
We want to hear your critical thoughts at Varfley1@yahoo.com or (215)-666-2506 PA, USA
|
