The Trump Administration has ended special protections for about 200,000 people from El Salvador living in the United States. They now have 18 months to figure out another way to remain in the country legally or face deportation.
On Monday, Dec. 8, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced it would end the Temporary Protected Status, known as TPS, for people fleeing the small Central American country of six million in September 2019. The U.S. originally granted protections to Salvadorans following two earthquakes that roiled the country in 2001.
This week鈥檚 decision came after homeland security officials determined the dangerous, disaster-related conditions no longer existed in El Salvador,
Leaders in Colorado鈥檚 Salvadoran community said they anticipated the administration鈥檚 latest immigration policy move and were already taking action to help those who wish to continue working and living in the country.
Jos茅 Manuel Castillo, Colorado鈥檚 El Salvador consul said his office was optimistic about the potential for immigrants with TPS status to remain.
鈥淥f course people are feeling a little negative about what is going to happen with this program officially finished,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut we鈥檙e trying to express a more positive message. We have all this time to renew conditions of everyone鈥檚 case.鈥�
According to Castillo, more than 40,000 people with roots in El Salvador live and work in Colorado. However, the local consulate does not keep track of how many have TPS.
Castillo said his office would hold multiple forums and informational sessions.
Rene Mejia, a Lakewood resident and vice president of the Salvadoran Association of Colorado, said the decision affects people who work multiple jobs, run small businesses and own homes.
鈥淲hat do I think about Mr. Trump terminating the TPS?鈥� he said. 鈥淭his is an issue that鈥檚 going to affect a lot of families who have been here for years.鈥�
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Salvadorans in the U.S. with TPS protections may still apply for and receive other protections under the current immigration system.
