What You Need to Know about Temporary Protected Status for Salvadorans

On January 8, 2018, the Office of the Press Secretary released the following statement:

“Today, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced her determination that termination of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for El Salvador was required pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act. To allow for an orderly transition, she has determined to delay the termination for 18 months. The designation will terminate on Sept. 9, 2019.” — Read the full statement.

This decision will affect over 200,000 Salvadorans who received TPS (Temporary Protected Status) after a series of earthquakes hit El Salvador in 2001. This status allowed Salvadorans to live in the United States for over 15 years regardless of their immigration status. Its termination will affect many including their children with American citizenship.

What It Means for You

TPS will end on September 9, 2019. Over the next 18 months, anyone who previously benefited from TPS will need to find another way to establish their legal status in the United States or return to El Salvador. Many are worried about having to go back to El Salvador with their children who were born and raised in the United States.

If you’re in this situation, what can you do? An experienced immigration attorney can help you understand how this change will affect you. They can also help you start the immigration process, so that you can legally stay in the country after the changes take effect.

Know Your Options

To learn what immigration options you’re eligible for, contact us for a free screening. Robichaud, Schroepfer & Correia, P.A. team of experienced immigration attorneys will help you navigate the current immigration system and find the right solution for you.