President George Bush’s decision to grant an additional 18-month stay for Liberians residing in the United States under the Deferred Enforcement Departure (DED) policy is commendable. President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia prevailed upon him to let the Liberians stay as her country needs time to rebuild and recover and is therefore not in a position to absorb the exiles. Whereas the two leaders’ actions appear humanitarian in the wake of Liberia’s struggle to reconstruct and stabilize after the 14 year civil war, they manifest the leaders’ lopsided thinking on human population.

Johnson-Sirleaf should not classify Liberian exiles as unthinking and idle people craving for government handouts. This premise has made many European countries to eschew immigrants. On the contrary, many Liberians have bought homes, started businesses and worked for years in the US. Given a conducive environment in Liberia, they will use their entrepreneurial skills and exposure to change their country for the better.

Delaying the repatriation of Liberians will only put them in limbo. The US should grant willing Liberians citizenship. After all, the US is their immediate home of origin.  Western employers ought to treat professional Africans who have proper migration documentation as they treat any other professional. It makes no sense for them to push for philanthropy towards Africa while at the same time block African professionals from working in their capitals; impede African products from entering their markets and promote anti- migrant campaigns.  May the motto inscribed on the Statue of Liberty: Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses, yearning to breath free reign!