The US TPS program was established in 1990 to allow foreign nationals of countries at war to stay in the US without any fear or favour. Under the TPS programs those registered are allowed to work and required to pay taxes but do not qualify for benefits such as welfare and food.

According to the US State Department, Liberians resident in the US have enjoyed their stay during the war era in their country throughout the 90’s. At one instance the former President Bill Clinton and George Bush (Snr.) had to defer deportations annually for three more years until the TPS was formally reinstated in 2002 after the West Africa state Liberia descended into full scale war again.

The TPS of 18 months which was signed by President George W. Bush is expected to expire on March 31 of this year.

Patrick J. Kennedy, Democrat Representative for Rhode Island said in a statement after he was informed of President Obama’s decision allowing the Liberia residents to stay for another year that, "I am pleased that the President has acted to preserve their status here, preventing a grave injustice.”

He added: “Liberians in the US including those 15,000 in Rhodes Island have contributed to our society for more than a decade, becoming active members of our communities and providing for their families."

Similarly, Senior Senator Representing Rhode Island Jack Kennedy welcomed the move saying "this extension will prevent thousands of Liberians from being separated from their families and deported back to a country still rife with economic, social and political tensions.”

Kennedy disclosed that the latest extension by Obama "allows us to continue the fight for a path to permanent citizenship for Liberians still living on TPS."

Liberia is a settlement of freed slaves from the US, the country became a republic in 1887 making it the first African Country to become independent. The country has a “strong” historical tie with US.

President Obama will meet with Liberia's female President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf among the first African leaders as part of effort to strengthening the bilateral ties within the two countries. The US administration is currently reforming the security sectors of that country.