U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has provided an update on the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF) policy manual, clarifying the necessary steps to submit an application if an individual cannot submit primary evidence of Liberian nationality. 

The deadline to apply to adjust status under LRIF and be eligible to receive a green card for residency is Dec. 20 of this year. 

“USCIS strongly encourages applicants to submit any and all evidence available to them when applying for LRIF,” USCIS wrote in a press release. “USCIS will consider any and all evidence provided by the applicant, including the applicant’s testimony during an interview, when determining eligibility for adjustment of status.”

Applicants must submit a written and signed statement explaining their attempts to acquire primary evidence as well as evidence of their attempts. This includes applications for Liberian passports, renewal application for an expired passport or proof of communication with Liberian government officials responsible for issuing the primary evidence.

Examples of primary evidence include unexpired Liberian passports or a Liberian certificate of naturalization, the release stated.

LRIF applies to Liberians living in the U.S. who qualify for permanent residency. LRIF was attached to the defense spending bill in 2019 and was signed into law by former President Donald Trump at that time.