Payne Hosts Ebola-Related Immigration Workshop in Newark
Newark, N.J. – On May 2, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr., in collaboration with representatives from the offices of U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Cory Booker, hosted an orientation on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s policy designating Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) due to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
As a result of TPS, eligible nationals of Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone may apply for protection from deportation and for work permits with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The event, which took place at Essex County College in Newark, included an information session from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on TPS and the registration process, which runs through May 20, 2015. Participants of the event also had the opportunity to sit down with USCIS to discuss whether or not they qualify for TPS.
During his remarks, Congressman Payne, Jr. discussed his ongoing work to aid in anti-Ebola efforts and to assist those impacted by the Ebola virus.
“New Jersey is home to the fifth most West African immigrants in any U.S. state, and there is a sizeable population of West Africans in New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District,” said Congressman Payne, Jr. “So it’s critical that we get the word out about this important policy to support West African communities. This workshop is another way we can do just that.”
Among those in attendance were John Thompson, USCIS Newark District Director; Kelly Ayala, USCIS Newark Community Relations Officer; and Dr. Gale Gibson, President of Essex County College.
Last year, Congressman Payne, Jr. convened an Ebola task force, and worked closely with the Obama administration on appropriating money to fight Ebola. He also held a conference on Capitol Hill to call for the expedition of temporary protected status to visiting Liberians, and to encourage the United States to increase awareness of the Ebola crisis. Congressman Payne, Jr. was successful in getting temporary protected status to visiting Liberians expedited.
Congressman Payne, Jr. discusses efforts to assist those impacted by the Ebola virus.