ABIC Urges Govt to Explain Benefits of U.S. Migration Deal | News

The Angie Brooks International Centre for Women’s Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace and Security (ABIC) is calling on the Government of Liberia to undertake a broad, multidisciplinary review of its migration and refugees agreement with the United States before substantially expanding its implementation.

ABIC said the review is necessary to help the government identify potential social, economic, security and legal challenges associated with receiving non-Liberian nationals under the agreement and address public concerns before they develop into misinformation, resentment or social tension.

The organization made the call in a statement issued as the Liberia-U.S. Migration and Refugees Agreement enters a new phase of implementation.

The agreement between the Government of Liberia and the Government of the United States to cooperate in the examination of protection claims entered into force on September 10, 2025.

ABIC said it recognizes Liberia’s longstanding relationship with the United States and the humanitarian considerations behind the agreement, but stressed that implementation should be carefully examined through Liberia’s national interests and legal responsibilities.

The organization said individuals transferred to Liberia under the agreement should not be stigmatized because they did not negotiate the arrangement and are entitled to dignity, humane treatment and protection under Liberian and applicable international law.

At the same time, ABIC said the government must address legitimate concerns among Liberians about the potential impact of receiving additional non-Liberian nationals in a country already facing poverty, unemployment, food insecurity and pressure on healthcare, housing and other public services.

The organization said Liberians are likely to ask who will support the transferred individuals, whether they will be permitted to work, how long they may remain and what will happen when external financial assistance ends.

ABIC also raised questions about the possible implications for employment, housing, healthcare and other public services.

“ABIC therefore recommends an assessment of the potential social and economic impact and a clear Government communication strategy explaining how these concerns will be managed,” the organization said.

ABIC said another critical issue requiring clarity is the screening and vetting of individuals transferred to Liberia under the agreement.

While the United States may provide information and assurances concerning those transferred, ABIC said Liberia has a sovereign responsibility to independently establish, through its immigration and national-security institutions, who enters its territory.

It said appropriate screening should verify identity, nationality, immigration and relevant security information, as well as other information required under Liberian law.

ABIC emphasized that such screening should not be interpreted as presuming that the transferred individuals are criminals.

Rather, the organization said, it is a fundamental responsibility of a sovereign state receiving foreign nationals under an arrangement of this nature.

“These are not questions of hostility toward the people being received,” ABIC said. “They are legitimate public-policy questions that should be addressed in order to protect both Liberian communities and the individuals being transferred.”

ABIC also wants the government to clearly explain what Liberia stands to gain from the agreement.

The organization noted that government has indicated that the United States will provide support for implementation and for strengthening Liberia’s migration system.

However, ABIC said the nature, scale and duration of that support should be clearly communicated to the Liberian public.

It said any lasting benefits to Liberia—including improvements in immigration and border management, security capacity, infrastructure, professional training or employment opportunities—should be clearly outlined.

According to ABIC, such transparency would help assure Liberians that the country is not simply assuming another nation’s immigration responsibilities, but is participating in an arrangement that also advances Liberia’s national interests.

ABIC said the agreement itself provides mechanisms for amendment, suspension and termination, which it considers important given the unprecedented nature of the undertaking.

The organization described the transfer of non-Liberian nationals to Liberia for the examination of protection claims as a significant development requiring broader national consultation.

It recommended that the government bring together experts and institutions with knowledge in constitutional and international law, immigration and refugee protection, international relations, national security, public health, economics and employment, public finance, human rights and social cohesion.

ABIC said such consultation should not be interpreted as opposition to the agreement or criticism of the Boakai Administration.

Instead, it would provide the government with additional expertise to identify potential problems early, recommend safeguards and determine whether aspects of the agreement or its implementation require clarification, amendment, suspension or other adjustment.

“ABIC therefore respectfully encourages the Government to consider convening an independent multidisciplinary consultative review before substantially expanding implementation,” the organization said.

The peacebuilding organization further urged the government to provide greater public information about the agreement, saying transparency could help prevent unnecessary public anxiety and tension.

ABIC said this should include clarification of the legal status of individuals transferred to Liberia, the financing of their stay, security and immigration screening procedures, the process for determining protection claims and the constitutional and statutory framework under which the agreement is being implemented.

It said legitimate constitutional and legal questions should be answered clearly by the government to prevent them from becoming unnecessarily politicized.

ABIC linked its recommendations to its experience in peacebuilding and preventive engagement, warning that uncertainty, economic frustration and a lack of reliable information can fuel rumors, fear and social tension.

The organization therefore urged the government to undertake a multidisciplinary review, assess the agreement’s potential social, economic and security impacts, explain the benefits Liberia will receive and maintain open communication with the public.

It also said that where a review identifies provisions or implementation arrangements that may not adequately protect Liberia’s interests, the government should consider using the agreement’s mechanisms for amendment, suspension or, where necessary, termination.

ABIC maintained that Liberia can fulfill its humanitarian responsibilities while protecting its national interests and maintaining its historic relationship with the United States.

It said the country can also protect the dignity of people transferred to Liberia while recognizing the economic pressures confronting Liberian families.

The organization stressed that its intervention is intended to be preventive rather than confrontational.

“ABIC’s purpose in raising these matters is therefore preventive and constructive: to help the Government identify potential difficulties before they become sources of public resentment, misunderstanding, division or instability,” it said.

ABIC said it remains prepared to contribute its experience in peacebuilding, preventive diplomacy, public sensitization and community engagement to the national discussion surrounding implementation of the Liberia-U.S. migration agreement.