Minnesota has the nation's largest population of Liberian refugees, and they now face possible deportation in three weeks if President Donald Trump does not extend their legal status in the United States.

More than 3,000 Liberians settled in Minnesota after fleeing civil war, and most of the resettled refugees live in Brooklyn Park.

Wynfred Russell resettled in Minnesota nearly 30 years ago and is now a Brooklyn Park City Council member. Russell told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS it's important for Minnesotans, and the country, to know Liberians have lived in Minnesota legally since their arrival.

"This is very important that we get the story of the Liberian people out there, for others to understand," said Russell. "Liberians did not come here to be free-loaders, and we work, we pay taxes, we have children in schools and created businesses --- legally."

Russell said the thought of losing their freedom, if President Trump doesn't extend their legal status, is frightening to Liberian refugees who could lose everything they've worked to attain since coming to Minnesota.

"There are families who could actually be split apart if the deportation deadline arrives on March 31," said Russell. "It makes humane sense and economic sense to give Liberian refugees what they've earned --- the right to stay here and seek citizenship."

Louis Stevens said she came to Minnesota 18 years ago with her two children, worked and saved money to buy a home and paid her taxes every year.

"I did what I was told to do and played by the rules because Minnesota and America are my home," said Stevens. "Now, I cannot even wrap my head around the thought that I might be told to leave, which means I could even be separated from my two children."

Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) and Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) joined Liberian refugees, immigration attorneys and employers at Brooklyn Park City Hall on Sunday to call on President Trump to extend the legal status of Liberian refugees.

"This is a human condition and not a political one," said Phillips. "We are a humane country, this is the United States of America and it is time we show the world what we are made of."

Trump decided last March to end the Deferred Enforced Departure program, which dates to 2007, because he said conditions in Liberia were much improved over the time of civil war in the African nation, which originally prompted Liberians to flee their country.