Sierra Leoneans Constrained in the U.S.

Human rights activist, Michael Kallon has called on Senator Edward M. Kennedy to revisit the terminated Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for Sierra Leoneans reportedly constrained in the United States of America.

In a letter dated August 11, 2007 and addressed to the Senator as Chairman Health, Education, Labour and Pensions Committee in Washington DC, Kallon stated that: "Most Sierra Leoneans who remained under the umbrella of the now defunct TPS programme can't go to Sierra Leone devastated during the civil war still meandering sluggishly to return to normalcy." According to him most Sierra Leoneans cannot return home today because they have had children who are American citizens and that they cannot go back to live in slums.

"I would like to take this opportunity to write to you on behalf of the thousands of the already trapped, hardworking, and law-abiding Sierra Leoneans in the United States whose Temporary Protective Status (TPS) has been terminated by the United States government some years ago. Many Liberians who fall within the same immigration category are still protected under the same TPS program," excerpt the letter reads.

The human rights campaigner said his letter was referenced to the recognition of the Senator's relentless activism in the United States' Senate, especially in propagating human dignity, human freedom and his efforts to wipe the tears of the poor and disadvantaged all over the world.

"It's therefore in this regard that I am requesting for your support to speak on behalf of my fellow Sierra Leoneans already trapped in the United States with their children most of whom are American citizens, to stay in the United States like the Liberians, and to be able to adjust their status as years go by.

allAfrica.com: Sierra Leone: Sierra Leoneans Constrained in the U.S. (Page 1 of 1)