TPS for El Salvador Being Terminated, Effective September 9, 2019

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on January 8, 2018 that the temporary protected status (TPS) designation for certain nationals of El Salvador will be terminated as of September 9, 2019. Under the Trump Administration, the DHS has announced the termination of TPS designations for citizens of numerous countries, including Haiti, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Nicaragua.

Background on TPS

TPS allows nationals of designated countries who are in the United States to remain in the country for a specified period, due to conditions in their respective home countries that would prevent a safe return. The types of conditions that can give rise to a TPS designation include armed conflicts, environmental disasters, epidemics, earthquakes, and other extraordinary, temporary conditions. Individuals who are granted TPS are protected against removal (deportation) from the U.S., and are eligible to apply for work and travel authorization. The TPS period is temporary, and does not lead to a permanent immigration status.

TPS Designation for El Salvador

After El Salvador suffered a catastrophic earthquake in 2001, qualifying Salvadorans were provided eligibility for TPS. There are currently some 200,000 Salvadorans living in the United States pursuant to TPS. El Salvador is besieged by poverty and violent gangs, and has one of the highest homicide rates in the world.

Conclusion

The situation in El Salvador remains grim. The nation’s ailing economy relies heavily on remittances from the United States, which will presumably dwindle following the mass exodus of Salvadorans next year. Yet, given the Trump Administration’s attitude toward immigrants, this decision is hardly surprising.

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