Non-resident Liberians who have obtained citizenship in other countries are to launch a campaign for formal recognition of dual-citizenship in Liberia. The campaigners believe the time has come to start such a campaign in Liberia, because Liberia can make progress when all of her sons and daughters are given equal opportunity and responsibility to participate in the reconstruction process of their country.

Since the start of the Liberian civil war, thousands of Liberians have sough refuge in other countries and as a result of longtime residence in those countries, some applied for citizenship and took employment in

the militaries of those countries. These non-resident Liberians, according to the campaign agenda, are very much Liberians who equally love their country just like any other Liberian. As a result, non-resident Liberians have decided to launch a campaign for formal recognition of dual-citizenship in Liberia. The campaign will soon kick off with a petition drive.

Cllr. Alvin Teage Jalloh, who works at the defender office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is spearheading the campaign for formal recognition of dual citizenship in Liberia.

The issue of dual citizenship in Liberia had been like a "don't ask don't tell" policy until in 2006 when during his confirmation hearing before the Liberian Senate Hon. Losene Donzo admitted that he was an American citizen. This singular moment brought the issue of dual citizenship to the forefront of national political discussion.

While many Liberians thanked Donzo for his honesty in telling the truth, Mr. Donzo's action inspired other Liberians to start serious discussions about how dual citizenship can benefit Liberia. According to Cllr. Jalloh, the issue of dual citizenship has been on his mind over the years but the Losene Donzo's situation brought the issue forward thereby convincing him to take the challenge to Liberia and campaign for formal recognition of dual citizenship. He went on to say

that right now the goal is to create awareness about the necessity of dual citizenship, which he says is in the interest of Liberia.

In the meantime, Cllr. Jalloh is working with other Liberians to urge the Liberian lawmakers to take a bold step on this very important issue. He went on to say that "while I believe in the constitutional requirement that no Liberian may be deprived of citizenship without due process of law, I however note that the 52nd Legislature is in a unique position to pass a bill that welcomes all Liberians in the reconciliation and reconstruction process of their beloved country, Liberia." In view of this, Cllr. Jalloh is calling on our senators and representatives to "match vision with kindness, and promptly pass a bill that recognizes and protects the contribution of non-resident Liberians towards Liberia’s continued improvement."

Non-resident Liberians have prepared a petition urging the Liberian Legislature to pass a bill that formally recognizes dual citizenship. The group is presently taking steps to make the petition available in hardcopy and online so that supporters can sign it. The petition along with the gathered signatures will then be submitted to members of the 52nd National Legislature before their second legislative session comes to an end. We look forward to your support in this effort.

For more information, please call 267 934 6603