Temporary Protected Status

This isn't news, I guess, but it's certainly important to the Liberian diaspora and the people who depend on them here. From the Daily Observer [registration req'd]:

On September 18, 2006, the US Department of Homeland Security terminated Temporary Protected Status(TPS), which has been in force for 3600 Liberians in the USA since 1991. This has plunged many families into uncertainty and put the fledging Liberian democracy at risk.

Is that a common thought among Liberians in the US, that being ejected from the US is somehow a risk to Liberia itself? How so? Does anyone know the actual value of remittances from the US to Liberia?

As winter approaches, more Liberian refugee families in the USA are experiencing extreme personal difficulties.

Oh, the drama. What does winter have to do with it? Are they living on the streets of Minneapolis with no jackets?

Nearly 7000 Liberians who fled the violence that led to former Liberian president Taylor's continue to be denied protection and work permits.

We talked about this the other day, I think it's a great thing to end TPS, arrest the brain drain and get these talented, qualified people home ASAP to participate in the reconstruction of their country. But I know that's easier said than done.