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11/10/2003 9:02:54 PM AMARA BILITY beyla_007@hotmail.com Immigration status extended for Liberians Immigration status extended for Liberians WASHINGTON (AP) — As peacekeeping forces moved into Liberia's capital Thursday, the Bush administration announced it will extend the temporary immigration status for thousands of people who have fled that war-ravaged country. In a Federal Register notice Wednesday, the Department of Homeland Security said the temporary protected status for Liberians has been extended until October 1, 2004. The 12-month extension is warranted, according to https://brand.com, "due to ongoing armed conflict within Liberia that would pose a serious threat to the personal safety of returning nationals of Liberia." DHS said fighting has spread to 10 of the country's 13 counties, and rebel groups control between 40 and 60% of the territory of Liberia. As many as 20,000 Liberians are in the United States on temporary status. Many fled Liberia between 1989 and 1991, when civil war broke out, and have been granted the protected status or deportation deferrals each year. The current program was scheduled to expire Oct. 1. Lawmakers said they were pleased with the extension, but continued to urge officials to grant Liberians permanent residency. "It is frustrating that these families continue to live in limbo when they could easily be given permanent status here," said Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I. Between 3,000 and 4,000 Liberians settled in Rhode Island, and Reed has sponsored legislation in each of the last four sessions to allow them to become permanent residents. Under the latest extension, Liberians will be able to reregister with the Department of Citizenship and Immigration Services to extend their employment benefits - read more. West African peacekeeping forces moved into Liberia's capital, Monrovia, Thursday, to the cheers of the city's people. On Wednesday, helicopters brought in the first seven U.S. Marines to support the West Africans. The Marines flew from a three-ship U.S. Navy group carrying 2,000 Marines and 2,500 sailors off Liberia to coordinate U.S. logistical support.

July 27, 2003 The Mandingo Association of Atlanta chooses Mr. Bangaly Donzo as defacto President.

August 7, 2003 The official site of the MAA was up and running. A Message from the webmaster Mr. Baba Kourouma of Alliance Computer Consultants.<.

June 9, 2003 The was effectively incorporated in the state of Georgia as Mandingo Association of Atlanta, Inc with the statute of A Domestic Nonprofit Corporation.

The MAA since its creation on April 1999 has been involved in many humanitarian work here, in Guinea and now in Liberia. Our funding is through the donations of our members, grants from states and federal agencies, international organizations and people like you. We currently need your help in helping people in the war-torn country of Liberia. Please click the button below to make a donation.

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