The Department of Homeland Security announced the cessation of Temporary Protected Status of citizens from El Salvador. This decision follows recent TPS decisions for Haiti, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Today’s decision will impact more than 200,000 Salvadorans in the United States for more than 15 – 20 years. DHS has announced a transition period through Sept. 9, 2019. During this period, TPS beneficiaries from El Salvador will be permitted to obtain employment authorization and will be expected to find alternative immigration benefits or to be making arrangements to transition back to El Salvador.

In today’s announcement, DHS Secretary Nielsen opened the door for Congressional action on El Salvadorian TPS: “Only Congress can legislate a permanent solution addressing the lack of an enduring lawful immigration status of those currently protected by TPS who have lived and worked in the United States for many years. The 18-month delayed termination will allow Congress time to craft a potential legislative solution.”